Latest news with #NBA2K26
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Angel Reese's video game cover proves WNBA hates Caitlin Clark because she is 'white', podcasters claim
Angel Reese 's presence on the cover of a popular video game continues to fuel uproar among her critics and fans of her WNBA rival, Caitlin Clark. Now Members Club, a conservative sports and culture podcast, has seized on the issue, which co-hosts Charly Arnolt and Arynne Wexler are blaming on DEI and a league that functions as 'welfare for tall lesbians,' according to Wexler. 'It's a very toxic place,' Wexler said of the league. 'And [Arnold] mentioned in that introduction about what's going on that this should be a place where it's feminism, women uplifting women.' Instead, Wexler claimed, 'women sabotage other women,' and the proof somehow lies on the cover of NBA2K26. The annual WNBA version NBA2K features Reese, the Chicago Sky All-Star, emblazoned across its front rather than Clark, the Indiana Fever guard and reigning Rookie of the Year. And even though gamers still have the option to buy the same exact game with the NBA 's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the box, Arnolt believes 'there should never be a woman on the cover of NBA 2K.' 'First of all,' she began, 'I don't know which man is going to be like: "I want to buy the WNBA edition of NBA 2K26. That's the one I want to put on my shelf when my friends come over and we're playing video games." Reese responds to the crowd after she's introduced at last weekend's All-Star game 'But for whatever reason, they decided to make a WNBA edition and then decided that Angel Reese should be on the cover over Caitlin Clark, which does not make sense,' Arnolt continued, returning to the Reese-Clark debate. 'I mean, Caitlin Clark is the poster child of the WNBA,' she continued. 'So, this is like DEI on top of DEI.' Reese, who is black, and Clark, who is white, have been framed as bitter rivals since last season, with many conservatives claiming the Fever guard is somehow the victim of 'reverse racism.' 'I mean, it's reverse racism, which is just racism, but it's not just that,' Wexler said. 'It's like they hate [Clark] because she's white, because she's straight, and because she's excellent.' 'Caitlin Clark doesn't care about Angel Reese,' Arnolt argued. 'Like, she just doesn't. She's very concerned with like playing her game. She's got like a great boyfriend. She seems like she's got her life together.' Meanwhile, Arnolt described Reese as 'super petty towards Caitlin Clark,' although she stopped short of explaining why. 'We can probably definitively say Caitlin Clark is the better player. I mean, she was the WNBA player of the year last year,' Arnolt continued, mistakenly crediting Clark with the MVP award won by the Las Vegas Aces' A'Ja Wilson. Reese and Clark have had a few tense moments on the court dating back to their college days at LSU and Iowa, respectively. Reese famously gestured at Clark en route to the 2023 national championship and tournament MOP honors – a move that Clark has since defended. Clark, meanwhile, has been whistled for a flagrant foul on Reese, who tried to confront her rival after the May incident. Reese has since dismissed the incident as a 'basketball play,' thereby diffusing any perceived tensions. Zak Armitage, the NBA 2K general manager, recently explained the company's decision to include Reese on the cover of this year's WNBA version of the game. 'NBA 2K26 is celebrating the bold, the confident and the visionaries, and WNBA All-Star Angel Reese carries all that on and off the court,' Armitage said in a statement. 'In her sophomore year in the WNBA, Angel Reese has made waves, created impactful conversations, and inspired the next generation. She's a storyteller and has helped the WNBA grow its audience.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Leave my angel reese alone': Shaquille O'Neal threatens Robert Griffin III after racist Angel Reese post explodes online
'Leave my angel reese alone': Shaquille O'Neal threatens Robert Griffin III after racist Angel Reese post explodes online (Image Via X) Tension grew online after a strong message was shared by Shaquille O'Neal on the 'Off The Record' podcast on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Shaquille O'Neal, NBA legend and Angel Reese's mentor, lost his cool with former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. Robert Griffin III had shared a racist edit of Angel Reese's NBA 2K26 WNBA cover. He also claimed Angel Reese secretly 'hates' Caitlin Clark, stirring controversy. Shaquille O'Neal's response? A bold, no‑nonsense warning aimed right at Robert Griffin III: back off Angel Reese or face the consequences. What happened next turns this from typical sports talk into something personal and intense. What Shaquille O'Neal said to Robert Griffin III on the podcast On July 15, 2025, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the Bailey Jackson‑hosted Off The Record podcast and addressed Robert Griffin III directly. Shaquille O'Neal said, 'RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I'm going to punch you in your f**king face. K? It's enough. Like, I don't usually do stuff like this, but stop it, bro.' Shaquille O'Neal made it clear he's close to Angel Reese calling her 'my girl' and referring to himself as her protector. He said he even advised Angel Reese not to reply publicly, yet Robert Griffin III wouldn't quit. He added, 'You got your job, you got your podcast … Leave my Angel Reese alone.' Robert Griffin III's post fuels Shaquille O'Neal fury Robert Griffin III's posts started on July 10, when he reposted a photoshopped racist image showing Angel Reese as a monkey, supposedly to condemn racism. He also accused Angel Reese of secretly 'hating' Caitlin Clark, saying sources in her circle confirmed it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Beautiful, Now Its Hard To Look At Her Crowdy Fan Undo Both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have denied any real hate. Robert Griffin III said he meant to show the racism, but critics called him out for amplifying hateful content to his 2.2 million followers. One X user remarked the original image had minimal reach until Griffin reshared it. Shaquille O'Neal slammed Robert Griffin III narrative, saying ' That's not real hate—this is sports. I'm her protector … Now pick on me.' He also criticized Robert Griffin III, saying 'if you're remembered for your podcast and not your playing days, you ain't shit.' Also Read: Darren Watkins Jr Leaves Robert Griffin III Stunned After Double Race Defeat In Estonia Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Fox News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Shaq threatens to 'punch' ex-NFL star RG3 over Angel Reese social media post
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal went after former NFL star Robert Griffin III over the ex-quarterback's remarks about Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. O'Neal appeared to be upset over Griffin coming to the defense of Reese as he reshared a racist picture depicting her as a monkey on the cover of a video game. In the same post, Griffin wrote that he was told by someone from her "inner circle" that Reese hates Caitlin Clark. The odd post caught the attention of the sports world last week. O'Neal made his comments about it on the "Off the Record" podcast. His appearance hit the internet on Tuesday. "RG3, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I'm gonna punch you in your f---ing face," O'Neal said. "It's enough. I don't usually do stuff like this, but just stop it bro," O'Neal said. "You got your job, you got your podcast. Leave my Angel Reese alone. I'm the one calling her and telling her not to respond. F---ing stop it. That's the last time. "It's not real hate. If you look around at what's going on in this real country, that's hate. This is sports. I'm not supposed to like you. It's a shame that all the stuff that you did in your life, you're gonna be remembered for your podcast. You're gonna be remembered for your podcast. That should tell you you're not that f---ing great. I don't want to be remembered for Shaq's 'Big Podcast.' I do not." O'Neal said he's been talking to Reese and imploring her not to respond. He added that Griffin should leave WNBA players alone and stick to his own sport. Griffin didn't immediately respond to O'Neal's post. He wrote several paragraphs on social media, first coming to the defense of Reese after a racist image of her NBA 2K26 appeared. He said there was "no place for racism in the world" and that Reese "should never be called or depicted as a monkey" Griffin added that he was quiet about Reese because of the hate he and his family received over the most recent discourse in May after a contentious moment between the two WNBA stars. "That will never be OK with me. I never attacked her or her family when I stated and backed up with clear basketball evidence that Angel Reese hates Caitlin Clark. It's sports. Everybody won't like each other," he added. "People in Angel's inner circle called me and told me I was right, and Angel Reese has grown to hate Caitlin Clark because of the media always asking her about Caitlin and being constantly compared to her. "Some people made it about race, but I never did and never will. Instead of becoming the villain in anyone's story, I decided to just not. All that being said, Angel Reese or any Black man or woman should never be called or depicted as a Monkey. Ever." Reese appeared to respond to Griffin's remarks in a separate post. "lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work," she wrote. Reese's mom also claimed Griffin was lying about talking with the basketball player's inner circle." "Whomever U say "called" U is not in her circle 2 speak on her feelings towards a media/fandom made up beef," she wrote. "Just stay on that side bc the doors are closed over here." Griffin fired back. "I spoke up in support of Angel Reese against racism not to start drama," he wrote on X. "But I won't let anyone twist the truth just because it's inconvenient to them. Instead of trying to check me, just tighten up your circle. "They calling me and saying you hate Caitlin Clark, not the other way around. I have zero interest in being the villain in anyone's story. I just want to have fun, tell the truth and celebrate sports. But I won't pretend or lie just to protect feelings." Griffin made the initial claim that Reese "hates" Clark after the Sky and Fever stars got into a heated skirmish in May. Both Clark and Reese were named to the All-Star Game. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shaquille O'Neal vs Robert Griffin III 'NBA 2K26 cover' feud over Angel Reese explained
Shaquille O'Neal, Angel Reese and Robert Griffin III. Image via: Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP | Erin Hooley/ AP |NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has issued a fiery warning to former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, publicly threatening him over his ongoing commentary about WNBA star Angel Reese. The exchange has thrown fuel on an already heated situation, with O'Neal going on record during a podcast appearance to say: 'Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I'm going to punch you in your f***ing face.' As public tensions mount, this clash has become one of the most talked-about flashpoints in sports media. Shaquille O'Neal threatens Robert Griffin III over Angel Reese criticism Shaquille O'Neal, a Hall of Famer and longtime mentor to Angel Reese, delivered a blunt message to Robert Griffin III during an appearance on Bailey Jackson's Off the Record podcast. 'RG3? Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I'm going to punch you in your f***ing face. It's enough. I don't usually do stuff like this, but just stop it, bro. You got your job, you got your podcast... Leave my Angel Reese alone.' Shaq, who shares an alma mater with Reese in LSU, continued: 'I'm the one calling her and telling her not to respond. F***ing stop it. That's the last time. OK? Thank you.' The NBA legend added, 'It's not real hate. If you look around at what's going on in this real country, that's hate. This is sports. I'm not supposed to like you!' Shaq called Griffin a 'fool' and warned, 'Now pick on me. You pick on me, I'm going to punch you in your f***ing face.' What did Robert Griffin III say about Angel Reese? Former NFL star Griffin ignited controversy by reposting a racist, photoshopped NBA 2K26 cover featuring Reese, where someone replaced her image with a monkey. Though Griffin claimed he was condemning racism, the act of reposting the offensive image amplified its reach. He didn't stop there. Griffin also alleged that Reese 'hates' Caitlin Clark and said her inner circle had confirmed that to him. 'People in Angel's inner circle called me and told me I was right and Angel Reese has grown to hate Caitlin Clark because of the media always asking her about Caitlin and being constantly compared to her. Some people made it about race, but I never did and never will. Instead of becoming the villain in anyone's story, I decided to just not,' he wrote on X in a lengthy post caption of the monkey-faced image repost. Despite the backlash, Griffin doubled down. He wrote: 'Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a Monkey.' He added that Reese had shared a video that led to threats against his family: 'That will never be okay with me. I never attacked her or her family… I just want to have fun, tell the truth and celebrate sports.' Still, Shaq wasn't having any of it, stating flatly, 'Leave those girls alone… I hate you now for messing with her.' Angel Reese's response to Robert Griffin III criticism Reese has largely avoided direct confrontation, but her indirect posts were cutting. Reese swiftly clapped back on X, saying, 'Lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyyy work.' Her mother also stepped in, tweeting, 'Whomever U say 'called' U is not in her circle 2 speak on her feelings.' Reese's restraint hasn't gone unnoticed. O'Neal explained, 'She's not soft, by any means. She's from the streets. But I'm like, 'You're beautiful, don't indulge with these fools.'' Also Read: Chicago Sky's iconic player Angel Reese creates WNBA history with new franchise milestone Reese, now in her second WNBA season, faces the pressure of public attention that remains intense. Fortunately, she has voices like O'Neal's standing firm in her defense. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"Why isn't Joker on the cover?" - Rashad McCants wonders why Shai made the 2K cover while Jokic never did
"Why isn't Joker on the cover?" - Rashad McCants wonders why Shai made the 2K cover while Jokic never did originally appeared on Basketball Network. After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the scoring title, bagged the MVP award and led his OKC Thunder team to a long-awaited title as the Finals MVP, it only felt fitting that the 26-year-old Canadian guard was chosen as the cover athlete for NBA 2K26. Advertisement It is hard to overlook how SGA is now amongst the league's new and most prominent faces. However, former NBA player Rashad McCants failed to understand the criteria for such selections. Interestingly, what puzzles him the most is why Nikola Jokic, unarguably the best player over the last five years, was never granted the same spotlight. McCants highlights how Jokic has never been on the cover of NBA 2K Sure, it made sense in 2021 when NBA 2K22 chose Luka Doncic as its cover athlete, as the Slovenian had just started showing signs of becoming a generational player. But when Jokic won back-to-back MVPs, even then, it was Devin Booker who was chosen to grace the NBA 2K23 cover. So, some felt that team success is what deprived Joker of that honor. So, when The Joker led the Nuggets to their first-ever title in 2023, it seemed certain that he would finally get it. But it was then Kobe Bryant who was made the face of the iconic game - a tribute that was largely welcomed. But even in 2024, when Jokic became one of the only nine players to have at least three MVP awards against their names, they opted to put Jayson Tatum on the NBA 2K25 cover. Advertisement So, this pattern forced McCants to question: if NBA 2K cover selections are based on merit and impact, then how does Jokic keep getting snubbed? Which clearly means that the league doesn't see him as a marketable player. "Why isn't Joker on the cover?" McCants asked on the "Gil's Arena Show." "The question I really have is, if Shai is the face of the league after doing what he has done, who was the face of the league last year? And before that? Is it a year-by-year thing?... Is it about being the most popular? Is it popularity that makes you the face?" Related: "All those muscles aren't gonna help you tonight" - Kevin McHale recalls when Bird trash-talked young and overly-muscular Anthony Mason The harsh truth about the snub Indeed, the answer may lie in Jokic's unique personality. For over half a decade, he's been the best player in the league, yet he carries himself with a quiet, nonchalant demeanor. The Serbian center isn't interested in the spotlight, media attention, or fame; instead, he simply comes to play basketball, dominate in his own way, and goes home. Advertisement Despite revolutionizing what it means to be a modern center, with elite passing, IQ and efficiency, he doesn't market himself, doesn't chase the camera and rarely entertains beyond the hardwood. So, in a league that craves unique personalities and aura, naturally, the 2K games tend to put those players on their cover who will make fans want to purchase that game. While Jokic is undeniably the best player in the league, he's not exactly the type to make fans rush to buy the game just because his face is on the cover. It is a tough pill to swallow for purists, but it's the harsh truth. Sometimes, even the best in the game can be snubbed in specific scenarios. Not because anyone questions their value, but because they lack a certain brand image. Related: Kevin Durant explains why today's NBA is better without so much structure: "I love that the league is trending towards that, though. That's just more hoopin'" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
