LSU's Kim Mulkey brushes off criticism of Angel Reese: 'She's not afraid of social media'
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LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey defended Angel Reese as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player received backlash for the way she celebrated in the face of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.
Mulkey appeared on NBC’s "Today" after she picked up the fourth national championship of her career. She addressed the criticism Reese received for the player’s actions in the final moments of LSU’s win over Iowa.
"[Angel] was upset because they attack her but they didn't attack Caitlin.… That child just won a national championship. She's not afraid of social media, that is who Angel is. She trash talks on the court, but she doesn't cross really the line of vulgarity.... Now, if I ever have to get involved, she knows that. Don't misrepresent our university, don't make us look bad."
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Head coach Kim Mulkey of the LSU Lady Tigers speaks during a press conference after winning the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament championship at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Reese was called every name in the book for something competitive players at an elite sporting level do all the time – from the amateur ranks to the pros.
She explained herself to reporters and to ESPN after the game. Reese pointed out the media was quick to criticize her because she didn’t "fit the narrative." She said she didn’t hear any criticism about others doing the same celebrations.
"I’m happy. All year, I was critiqued about who I was. The narrative – I don’t fit the narrative. I don’t fit the box you all want me to be in. I’m too 'hood. I’m too ghetto. You told me that all