Angel Reese, the star forward of the LSU women’s basketball team and the 2023 national champion, is not with the team for unknown reasons. She was benched during the game against Mississippi State on Nov. 15 and did not appear on the bench for the game against Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 18. Her absence has sparked a lot of controversy and speculation among fans and media, as well as some drama on social media involving her mother and the mother of her former teammate at Maryland.
The Controversy Surrounding Angel Reese
Reese, who transferred from Maryland to LSU in May 2022, was having a stellar season with the Tigers, averaging 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game. She was a unanimous first-team All-American and the Final Four Most Outstanding Player last season, when she led LSU to its first national title in program history. She was also named the 2023 BET Sportswoman of the Year and the 2023 ESPY for Best Breakthrough Athlete.
However, things took a turn for the worse on Nov. 15, when LSU faced Mississippi State in a SEC matchup. Reese played only 12 minutes in the first half and did not return to the game in the second half. She finished with four points and six rebounds, well below her season averages. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey said after the game that it was her decision to bench Reese and that she would not elaborate on the reason.
Two days later, Reese was not seen with the team for the game against Southeastern Louisiana. Mulkey confirmed that Reese was not with the team, but did not give much explanation as to why. She said that she hoped to see Reese “sooner rather than later” and that she loved her like a daughter.
Social Media Drama
Reese’s absence from the team sparked a lot of rumors and speculation on social media, especially on Twitter. Some fans wondered if Reese was suspended or if she had a falling out with Mulkey. Others expressed their support and concern for Reese, hoping that she would return to the team soon.
One of the most notable tweets came from Reese’s mother, Angel Reese Sr., who posted a cryptic message on Nov. 17. She wrote: “I’m not going to say much but I will say this. I’m not going to let anyone disrespect my child. Period. I don’t care who you are or what you have done. You will not come for mine. #mamabear”.
Many fans interpreted this tweet as a sign of tension between Reese and Mulkey, or between Reese and her teammates. Some also speculated that it had something to do with Reese’s former teammate at Maryland, Diamond Miller, who transferred to South Carolina in the same offseason. Miller’s mother, Nicole Miller, replied to Reese Sr.’s tweet with a series of emojis, including a snake, a clown, and a laughing face.
This sparked a feud between the two mothers, who exchanged insults and accusations on Twitter. Reese Sr. claimed that Miller Sr. was jealous of her daughter’s success and that she was spreading lies about her. Miller Sr. accused Reese Sr. of being a bad parent and a bully. The two mothers also brought up their daughters’ performances and achievements on the court, comparing their stats and awards.
Speculations and Reactions
The social media drama between the two mothers added more fuel to the fire of the controversy surrounding Reese. Fans and media outlets tried to make sense of the situation and figure out what happened to Reese and why she was not with the team. Some suggested that Reese was unhappy with her role or playing time at LSU, or that she had a personality clash with Mulkey or her teammates. Others wondered if Reese was dealing with some personal or family issues, or if she was injured or sick.
Mulkey, however, refused to comment on the matter, saying that it was a private issue and that she would not disclose any information about Reese’s status. She said that she respected Reese’s privacy and that she hoped that the media and the fans would do the same. She also said that she was focused on coaching the team and preparing for the next game.
Reese herself has not made any public statements about her situation, nor has she posted anything on her social media accounts since Nov. 14. Her teammates have also remained silent on the issue, saying that they were supporting Reese and that they were confident that she would come back soon.
Conclusion
Angel Reese, one of the best players in women’s college basketball, is not with the LSU team for unknown reasons. She was benched during the game against Mississippi State on Nov. 15 and did not appear on the bench for the game against Southeastern Louisiana on Nov. 18. Her absence has caused a lot of controversy and speculation among fans and media, as well as some drama on social media involving her mother and the mother of her former teammate at Maryland. LSU head coach Kim Mulkey has not given any details about Reese’s status, saying that it was a private issue and that she hoped to see Reese “sooner rather than later”. Reese has not made any public statements about her situation, nor has she posted anything on her social media accounts since Nov. 14. Her teammates have also remained silent on the issue, saying that they were supporting Reese and that they were confident that she would come back soon. The mystery of what happened to Angel Reese and why she is not with the team remains unsolved.
