Angel Reese has addressed the online criticism she’s received following her third consecutive Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2025 BET Awards. Her win has sparked a strong response on social media, including from Claressa Shields, who was taken aback that she wasn’t crowned the winner. Amid all the chatter, Angel, as well as her teammate Ariel Atkins, have spoken out, while Claressa went on to issue more words on the situation.
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Angel Reese Addresses Major BET Awards Win
Following their loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday, June 10, a reporter asked Angel during a press conference about her third BET Sportswoman of the Year award. She admitted the win “meant something to people because it’s me.” Angel’s voice seemed to become shaky as she shared how she tries to stay focused on basketball despite the scrutiny she’s been receiving. Angel emphasized that she comes to work every day, putting in her best effort no matter what.
“I haven’t been playing well at all, and I could mope or point fingers, but it’s been me. I take accountability, try to be better than the last day,” she said. “I don’t complain, I don’t care about anything else. I’m just here to go to work every day and go home.”
Her authenticity hit hard. She insists that her only focus is on basketball, not on an award. While taking accountability for not playing her best in recent games, she’s also said she’s determined to get back on her feet.
Angel Reese on winning the BET Sportswoman of Year for the third time in a row. pic.twitter.com/q8nZjnltav
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) June 11, 2025
Ariel Atkins Defends Angel
Earlier during the press conference, Ariel had praised Angel. She shared how the 23-year-old carries herself “with grace” despite constant criticism from others. In a sweet act of support, she told reporters:
“The amount of crap she gets on a day-to-day and still shows up? Her crown is heavy,” Ariel said. “Y’all wanna come at her for how she acts, but she knows who she is. She’s built a wall because if she doesn’t, people will break her down… not just for how she looks, but how she carries herself.”
Sis made it known that Angel’s strength can’t and won’t be broken, and she won’t let the haters dim her light either.
Claressa Shields Clarifies Tweets About Angel Reese
Claressa caused a frenzy on June 10 after she hopped on X to vent about her BET loss. The boxing star, who was also in attendance at the ceremony alongside her boo Papoose, initially suggested she thought the award was based on “accolades” accumulated from that year. Fans came for her, though, and the comments were on fire! But Claressa quickly cleared the air hours later, insisting she’s got “mad respect” for Angel and other female athletes. However, she stood her ground, too.
“I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angel Reese,” she wrote. “As for my earlier comments, I was shocked I didn’t win. I thought the category was graded on awards. It’s okay to be a competitor.”
I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angle Reese, I have mad respect for her and all the other female athletes that excel in their sport. As for my earlier comments I am allowed to express my feelings, I was shocked I didnt win, I was under the impression the…
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) June 11, 2025
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