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'Kevin Durant Has Done It A Couple Of Times': Angel Reese Backed With James Harden Example By Ex-Eagles Linebacker After Outburst
Aug 21, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Angel Reese ’s suspension has been one of the WNBA’s hottest talking points, and even NFL alumni are chiming in. Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Emmanuel Acho came to Reese’s defense, saying her comments about her Chicago Sky teammates are not unprecedented among stars.

“We’ve heard on record the superstars go up and say, ‘We don’t have enough talent, I can’t win here,’” Acho explained on his show (Speak, 56:30 mark). “NFL players do it all the time. James Harden did it.”

He didn’t stop there, adding: “If I’m not mistaken, Kevin Durant has done it a couple of times. Even, you know what I mean? Draymond Green went to bed. Kevin Durant saying, ‘Please come over here and play. We can’t win here.’”

Not everyone agreed. Ex-running back LeSean McCoy fired back, pointing out that handling things privately makes a difference. “That’s not to the media, though. It’s the way you do things. We are professionals,” McCoy argued.

Angel Reese is in her rookie season but is already being talked about in the same light as NBA superstars known for public outbursts. For some, this means she’s carrying herself like a true franchise player. For others, it’s a sign of immaturity that needs addressing.

Either way, the spotlight is locked on Angel Reese. The conversation isn’t just about her play anymore—it’s about how she manages the pressures of being one of the league’s most followed young names.

Chicago Sky coach keeps comments brief on Angel Reese suspension

Chicago Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon has not been the only one asked about Angel Reese’s one-half suspension, but assistant coach Jeff Marsh gave a short answer that set the tone for the team.


Jul 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket as Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen (44) defends in the first half at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

“It was from the top as an organizational decision, so it’s being handled internally, and it’s kind of what it’s been,” Marsh said when asked before a recent game. “I don’t want to get into the specifics, I think that the matter has been resolved, and we would like to focus on tonight.”

That statement echoed the team’s desire to move past the controversy without adding more fuel. While Angel Reese’s words led to her short suspension, her coaches are making it clear that the focus should return to the games ahead.


Jul 22, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) dribbles against the Minnesota Lynx in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Angel Reese has drawn plenty of reactions from media and fans, but inside the Sky locker room, the message is about closing ranks. By keeping details private, the organization is showing it wants discipline handled in-house, without lingering debates in public.

For Reese, the challenge now is bouncing back on the court while proving that her leadership will grow from the experience.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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