The Five Biggest Bombshells In The RG3 Vs. Angel Reese Feud: Why The WNBA Star Called Out The Former NFL QB

Contents

The ongoing drama between former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Robert Griffin III (RG3) and WNBA star Angel Reese has become one of the most talked-about sports commentary controversies of late 2025. This unexpected public feud, which has drawn in major figures like Shaquille O'Neal and Reese's own mother, centers on inflammatory claims RG3 made regarding Reese's relationship with rival Caitlin Clark.

As of December 24, 2025, the situation remains a hot topic, with both athletes continuing to command headlines. This article breaks down the five most significant moments and the deep-seated issues—from the Clark-Reese rivalry to accusations of "clout-chasing"—that fueled this viral media firestorm.

The Central Figures: A Dual Career Profile

The controversy is magnified by the high profiles of both individuals, one a Heisman winner turned media personality, the other a national champion and one of the WNBA’s most marketable stars. Their respective careers provide the context for their massive social media reach and influence.

Angel Reese: "The Bayou Barbie"

  • Full Name: Angel C. Reese
  • Born: May 6, 2002 (Randallstown, Maryland)
  • College: University of Maryland (2020–2022), Louisiana State University (LSU) (2022–2024)
  • Professional Team: Chicago Sky (WNBA)
  • Key Highlights: 2023 NCAA National Champion (LSU), Consensus First-Team All-American (2023, 2024), NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2023), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2025), broke several WNBA rookie rebounding records.
  • Nickname: "Bayou Barbie"

Robert Griffin III: "RG3"

  • Full Name: Robert Lee Griffin III
  • Born: February 12, 1990 (Okinawa, Japan)
  • College: Baylor University
  • NFL Career: Washington Redskins/Commanders (2012–2015), Cleveland Browns (2016), Baltimore Ravens (2018–2020)
  • Key Highlights: 2011 Heisman Trophy Winner, 2012 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl Selection (2012).
  • Media Career: Former ESPN analyst for college football and *Monday Night Countdown*; joined FOX Sports in 2025 to cover college football.

Five Major Bombshells That Defined the RG3-Reese Feud

The relationship between the analyst and the athlete went from professional commentary to a highly personal public spat, all stemming from the intense media scrutiny surrounding the WNBA season and the rivalry between Reese and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

1. The "Hate" Claim and The Inner Circle Leak

The controversy ignited when Robert Griffin III posted a lengthy, seemingly supportive message on social media denouncing the racist rhetoric Angel Reese had faced. However, he then pivoted to a bombshell claim: that people in Reese's "inner circle" had told him she had "grown to hate Caitlin Clark."

This claim immediately shifted the narrative from RG3 defending Reese against online trolls to him fueling the very drama that has followed her since the 2023 NCAA Championship. The term "inner circle" was a direct challenge to Reese's privacy and public image, suggesting a level of animosity beyond the competitive on-court rivalry.

2. Angel Reese's Viral Call-Out: "Lying for Clout"

Angel Reese did not let the claim stand. She took to social media to publicly and explicitly deny RG3's assertions, accusing the former Heisman winner of fabricating the story for attention. Reese’s direct response, which included calling him out for "lying for clout," instantly went viral, setting the tone for the rest of the dispute.

Her mother also weighed in, defending her daughter and questioning RG3's motives and sources. This unified front from the Reese family underscored the severity of the accusation and the damage it could do to her brand.

3. The Shaquille O'Neal Threat

Perhaps the most unexpected turn in the feud was the involvement of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. As a fellow LSU alum and a longtime mentor to Angel Reese, O'Neal was enraged by RG3's comments and his subsequent reposting of a racist edited image of Reese.

Shaq publicly warned RG3 to stop talking about Reese, escalating the conflict by stating, "I'll punch you in the face." This dramatic threat from one of the biggest names in sports media transformed the dispute from a typical sports pundit hot-take into a high-stakes, personal beef involving multiple generations of athletes.

4. RG3's Defense: Supporting Against Racism

In response to the intense backlash, RG3 attempted to clarify his position, insisting his initial intent was to support Angel Reese against the wave of racist attacks she receives online. He argued that his commentary was twisted by the media to create "drama."

However, critics pointed out that his choice to inject the unverified "inner circle" claim about the Caitlin Clark rivalry—a topic already fraught with racial and gender undertones—undermined his stated goal of support, suggesting he prioritized generating clicks over protecting the athlete.

5. The Broader Context of Media Clout-Chasing

The RG3-Reese feud is seen by many analysts as a microcosm of a larger problem in modern sports commentary: the chase for viral attention. RG3, a former ESPN analyst who recently transitioned to FOX Sports, operates in a media landscape where provocative "hot takes" often generate more engagement than measured analysis.

Reese's accusation that RG3 was "lying for clout" resonated with many fans and commentators who believe that the intense focus on the Clark-Reese rivalry is manufactured by media personalities seeking to capitalize on the WNBA's explosive growth and the star power of "Bayou Barbie." This entity-driven commentary adds topical authority to the discussion, highlighting the commercial pressures on sports personalities.

The Lasting Impact on Sports Commentary

The public clash between Robert Griffin III and Angel Reese serves as a stark warning about the blurred lines between sports analysis and celebrity gossip. While RG3's initial comments were presented as a defense against racism, his decision to share unverified, personal claims about the Caitlin Clark rivalry ultimately resulted in him being labeled a "clout-chaser" by the very athlete he claimed to support.

For Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, the incident is yet another example of the disproportionate scrutiny and pressure placed on WNBA stars. For RG3, the episode adds a layer of controversy to his media persona as he embarks on his new role with FOX Sports in 2025, cementing his reputation as a commentator willing to push boundaries—even at the expense of his peers.

rg3 angel reese
rg3 angel reese

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