Clark defends Reese gesture and says trash talking is part of basketball

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has defended her LSU rival Angel Reese for a gesture she made during the NCAA women’s basketball championship game on Sunday.

Reese made the “You can’t see me” gesture – made famous by wrestler John Cena – towards her opponent as the Tigers closed out their 102-85 victory, which secured their first NCAA women’s basketball title. She also pointed to her finger, referencing the championship ring she would soon receive.

Reese, who is Black, received abuse for the gesture on social media. Others pointed out that Clark, who is white, had made the same gesture earlier in the tournament but had been praised for her fighting spirit.

Reese referenced the double standard when speaking to reporters after Sunday’s game. “All year I was critiqued about who I was. I’m too hood, I’m too ghetto, y’all told me that all year,” she said. “When other people do it, y’all don’t say nothing … So this is for the girls that look like me. For those that want to speak up for what they believe in ... It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to go into a rage every time.”

"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all."Caitlin Clark said she thought Angel Reese received too much backlash for her celebrations during the championship game. (via @OTLonESPN) pic.twitter.com/i8tZyO8bai

In an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, Clark said criticism of Reese was unfair.

“I don’t think Angel should be criticized at all,” said Clark. “I’m just one that competes, and she competed. I think everybody knew there was gonna be a little trash talk in the entire tournament. It’s not just me and Angel.

“We’re all competitive. We all show our emotions in a different way. You know, Angel is a tremendous, tremendous player. I have nothing