Angel Reese’s latest WNBA controversy shows how victimhood became central to her brand

Dan Dakich responds to Annie Costable's claim that WNBA players receive more vitriol than male athletes in other sports.

For some unknown reason, claiming victimhood is very popular in modern society. Many people seem to think being a victim earns them social capital, so they look for every opportunity to capitalize.

A perfect example is WNBA star Angel Reese.

WNBA star Angel Reese loves to play the victim card. (Rafael Suanes/Imagn Images)

Perhaps no prominent professional athlete embodies the desire to be seen as a victim as much as Reese, who has spent years painting herself as someone unfairly treated by fans, coaches, referees, reporters and society at large.

ANGEL REESE DANGEROUSLY PEDDLES RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY AFTER WNBA COACH CALLS HER TWO WORDS

Of course, that runs counter to the fact that Reese gained immense popularity, fame and money from the same society she regularly claims hates her.

The latest example came this weekend, when Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello was caught on a microphone referring to Reese as a "protected species."

It was immediately obvious what Brondello meant.

She thought the referees were giving Reese preferential treatment. But it was too late. Brondello provided Reese the perfect opportunity to claim victimhood.

Reese made contact with Tempo forward Nyara Sabally while the two players battled for a rebound. Sabally fell to the floor in pain.

The officials called the foul on Sabally.

Brondello, understandably annoyed that her injured player had been whistled for the foul, complained from the sideline that Reese was a "protected species."

Reese responded on social media and tagged Brondello.

"ARE WE SURPRISED?!" Reese wrote, adding a clown emoji while quoting a post that read,