BREAKING NEWS: “They don’t respect me just because I’m Black,” Angel Reese angrily considers retirement as the WNBA community disrespects her and harms her mental health. Angel Reese chokes up and says five words that leave fans in tears.
In a heart-wrenching and emotionally charged moment, WNBA rising star Angel Reese has publicly expressed her frustration over ongoing disrespect within the league, citing racial bias and mental health struggles as primary reasons she is now considering retirement from professional basketball.
The 23-year-old forward, who has been one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball since her college days at LSU, made the shocking revelation during a post-game press conference after a heated loss on Sunday evening. Visibly emotional and fighting back tears, Reese choked up as she uttered five powerful words that sent shockwaves across the basketball world:
“I’m tired of being strong.”
That brief statement, filled with years of suppressed pain and struggle, brought the room to silence. Moments later, she elaborated:
“They don’t respect me just because I’m Black. I’ve worked hard. I’ve carried teams, put up numbers, brought fans into this league, and yet I still get called arrogant, emotional, aggressive — things that others get praised for. It’s draining. I’m a human being.”
Reese’s remarks come amid growing controversy over what many have described as unequal treatment and media scrutiny. Despite her strong performances and massive fanbase, Reese has faced relentless criticism on social media, from some commentators, and even allegedly from within league circles — criticisms that often go beyond her play and cut into her character and identity.
Sources close to Reese say this breaking point has been building for months, with the athlete increasingly expressing feelings of isolation and being misunderstood.
“She carries herself with pride and power, and that intimidates people,” said a teammate who asked not to be named. “But when you look deeper, you see someone who just wants to be loved for who she is — not constantly reduced to a stereotype.”
Mental health advocates have also chimed in, praising Reese for her vulnerability and courage to speak openly about the toll of public life on her well-being. “What Angel is experiencing is not unique,” said Dr. Tasha Bennett, a sports psychologist. “Black women in professional sports often face disproportionate scrutiny. Speaking out like this is a powerful act of resistance — but it shouldn’t have to be.”
The WNBA has yet to release an official statement, though calls for the league to address both racial bias and player mental health support systems have intensified. Fans across social media rallied behind Reese in a wave of support, pushing hashtags like #WeStandWithAngel and #RespectBlackWomen into trending status within hours.
One viral tweet read:
“Angel Reese gave us everything — fire, passion, heart — and all we gave her was judgment. We don’t deserve her.”
As speculation swirls about whether Reese will indeed step away from the game, those close to her urge the public to prioritize her humanity over headlines.
“She loves basketball,” her agent said in a brief statement. “But no one should have to sacrifice their mental health to stay in a game that won’t protect them.”
For now, Angel Reese has not made a final decision. But one thing is clear: her voice has sparked a national conversation — and this time, the world is listening.
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