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Chicago Sky Star’s Message on Angel Reese Couldn’t Be Clearer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 8:43 PM ET

Angel Reese watched on as Ariel Atkins and the Chicago Sky looked to make it two straight wins, taking on the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. The former LSU Tigers forward was not available to play after picking up her eighth technical foul in Wednesday's win over the Connecticut Sun, receiving a one-game suspension in return.

But the Reese controversy runs deeper. In an article by the Chicago Tribune’s Julia Poe published before the Sky’s win over Connecticut, Reese made it clear she was unhappy with how the season has unfolded. She added that guards Courtney Vandersloot, Hailey Van Lith, and Rachel Banham aren’t the kind of players who can lead a championship-caliber team.

“I’m not settling for the same (expletive) we did this year,” Reese said. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me.

The Sky responded by suspending Reese for half a game, which she will serve in the first half of Sunday's matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. Chicago also held a team meeting in response to Reese's "direct attacks." And Atkins opened up about said meeting with Alissa Hirsh of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“It was simply out of respect for everybody in the room, one through 12,” Atkins said.

The two-time All-Star also made it clear that, as an eight-year veteran in the league, she really didn't care about Reese's comments.

“I think I just don’t really care,” Atkins added. “I’m so over all of this (expletive). If I was younger, it would have affected me more. But I’m grown and I just don’t care.”

While Atkins looks the other way, other Sky players offered a different perspective on Reese's remarks.

“She has a big influence, whether she says something good or bad, people like to interpret it a certain way,” Chicago center Elizebeth Williams said. “I think she understands she just has to be mindful of the language she uses.”

Following the Fever game, the Sky will continue the season on Sunday, facing the Las Vegas Aces at 9:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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