An X user-created racist Photoshopped image targeting Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, digitally placing a monkey over her image on what appears to be “NBA 2K26″ video game cover art, has spurred drama — and it has Reese calling a former athlete a liar.
Here’s a rundown:
Fox Sports football analyst and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III condemned the racist imagery Thursday in a social media post. But Griffin’s response sparked a new controversy when he claimed people in Reese’s inner circle had previously contacted him to validate his criticism of her rivalry with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
“This has got to stop,” Griffin said. “There is no place for racism in this world. Whether you like a player or not. Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a monkey.”
Griffin’s post referenced his previous criticism of Reese, saying he had “been quiet on the Angel Reese front” because she shared a video that led to his family receiving death threats. He then made the claim that prompted Reese’s response.
“I never attacked her or her family when I stated and backed up with clear basketball evidence that Angel Reese hates Caitlin Clark. It’s sports. Everybody won’t like each other. People in Angel’s inner circle called me and told me I was right,” Griffin said.
Reese quickly disputed Griffin’s claim in her own X (formerly Twitter) post, suggesting he was fabricating the claim for attention.
“Lying on this app when everybody knows the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work,” Reese posted.
Griffin defended his comments in a reply on X, reiterating that he did speak with them.
“I spoke up in support of Angel Reese against racism not to start drama. But I won’t let anyone twist the truth just because it’s inconvenient to them,” Griffin said. “Instead of trying to check me, just tighten up your circle. They calling me and saying you hate Caitlin Clark, not the other way around. I have zero interest in being the villain in anyone’s story. I just want to have fun, tell the truth and celebrate sports. But I won’t pretend or lie just to protect feelings.”
The exchange was rooted in Griffin’s belief, expressed on his podcast, that it was “obvious” Reese hated Clark beyond their basketball rivalry. That comment led to a social media argument with ESPN NFL analyst Ryan Clark, who insinuated that Griffin did not understand what Reese was going through, pointing to Griffin’s wife, who is White. Clark later apologized for those comments.
Reese and Caitlin Clark have maintained a high-profile rivalry since college. The rivalry has continued into their WNBA careers, with the two exchanging verbal jabs off the court and physical plays on it. Some Clark fans have used racist language online when targeting Reese.
Despite his ongoing criticism of Reese, Griffin emphasized that racist attacks must stop regardless of any sports rivalry.
“If you hate Angel Reese because she is Black, you are the problem,” Griffin said. “If you hate Angel Reese because you are a Caitlin Clark fan, don’t turn it racial. There should be no space for racism in this world.”
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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