During a recent post game press conference, Angel Reese and her Chicago Sky teammate addressed the media, fielding questions about the team and recent events.
Veteran player Ariel Atkins had strong words regarding the treatment Reese has received from the media. Taking a moment to defend the young talent, Atkins did not hold back.
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“The amount of crap that she gets on the day to day and she still shows up,” Atkins said, visibly upset.
She then directly addressed the media: “Whatever questions y’all got—about our team basketball-wise, we appreciate it, but all the other nonsense—it’s irrelevant.”
Speaking candidly about the team’s current challenges, she added, “We are having a hard time right now at the end of the day.”
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Atkins praised Reese for her strength and composure under pressure: “This a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy.”
She continued, pointing to the scrutiny Reese faces: “Y’all want to come at her for the way that she acts—she has to build the wall—she has to have the wall because if she doesn’t people will break her down. Not only just because of the way that she looks but because it’s the way she carries herself.”
Ariel Atkins on the criticism Angel Reese receives outside of basketball. pic.twitter.com/SGtmd1uBLA
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) June 11, 2025
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Turning once again to the press, Atkins made her stance clear: “Whatever other questions y’all got, I’m hoping it’s just about basketball.”
She closed with a reminder that Reese deserves respect, emphasizing the weight she carries both on and off the court.