ESPN Facing Backlash After Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson Incident

However, the moment that generated the most attention came in the closing stages of the game. With just over a minute remaining and Seattle comfortably in front, Johnson walked toward Reese and extended her hand in an apparent show of sportsmanship.

Reese continued walking toward her bench without acknowledging the gesture, leaving Johnson briefly standing with her hand extended before turning away.

ESPN shared the incident on X, but the post drew intense backlash from fans, many of whom accused the network of pushing a negative narrative surrounding Reese rather than highlighting the game itself.

“this y’all first post about the wnba in 3 days,” said one fan.

“Media really is obsessed with (this narrative of) her, yikes. Damn,” said another.

“ESPN literally never posts Angel unless they’re attempting to say something negative. It’s wild,” wrote another fan.

“Of course ESPN posted this for engagement, last WNBA post yall sent out was about Tammy Turnover & Marina scoring 53pts,” said another.

“Oh come on now y’all ain’t tweet about this game all night lol,” wrote another.

“lol ESPN never posts Angel Reese unless they are trying to stir up drama,” added another.

Reese and Johnson were teammates at Louisiana State University and helped lead the Tigers to the 2023 NCAA national championship. Reese declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the Chicago Sky before being traded to the Dream in April. Johnson stayed at LSU for two more years before being selected by Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Draft and traded to Seattle ahead of the 2026 season.

The two former LSU stars will not have to wait long for another meeting. The Dream and Storm are scheduled to face each other again in Atlanta on July 9 and July 31.