WNBA rising star Angel Reese found herself unexpectedly pulled into Major League Baseball commentary this week after a pointed remark made during a Phillies vs. White Sox broadcast caught social media’s attention.
Former MLB All-Star and current NBC Sports Philadelphia analyst John Kruk took a subtle jab during the game, referring to a player “here in Chicago” known for grabbing their own missed shots. “I don’t want to say anything,” Kruk teased, “but there’s someone here in Chicago that does that a lot.” Though he never named Reese directly, the implication was unmistakable to anyone familiar with the recent discourse surrounding the Chicago Sky forward.
Kruk’s comment echoed a longstanding critique that’s followed Reese from college into her pro career: the accusation that she pads her stats by collecting “mebounds”—a term popularized online to describe players who boost their rebound totals by chasing down their own missed shots. In a savvy move earlier this year, Reese actually filed to trademark the word, flipping the narrative and seizing control of the conversation.
Reese didn’t let the remark go unanswered. Without naming Kruk, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Clout is one helluva DRUG. Like it really gets to a point.” The post, vague but sharp, was widely interpreted as a response to the baseball commentator’s dig. She followed up with a humorous TikTok video that featured audio from a friend, signaling that while she’s aware of the criticism, she’s also not afraid to laugh it off.
While the chatter continues, Reese is letting her numbers do the talking. Now in her second WNBA season, the 22-year-old is averaging a double-double with 14.2 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. She’s also improved her shooting efficiency, bumping her field goal percentage up to 44.4%. Drafted in the first round in 2024, Reese has quickly established herself as one of the league’s most talked-about young talents.
Public scrutiny—especially of high-profile female athletes—is nothing new. But Reese continues to show that she can weather the attention, respond with poise, and still dominate on the court. Her ability to blend competitive drive with media savvy makes her one of the most compelling figures in women’s basketball today.
Commentary:
The blend of sports performance and media attention often leads to polarized opinions, but Reese’s case highlights how athletes today are increasingly adept at owning their story. From trademarking criticism to clapping back online, she’s rewriting the rules for how pro athletes engage with their public image.
Image Source: Angel Reese @ Instagram
