“National Embarrassment”: Tyrus Blasts Angel Reese on Live TV—And Sparks a Firestorm That’s Splitting Women’s Basketball in Two

It was supposed to be just another spirited sports panel. Instead, it turned into one of the most explosive moments in recent sports media memory.

Tyrus, the outspoken Fox News commentator and former professional wrestler, didn’t mince words. Sitting alongside Greg Gutfeld during a nationally televised segment, he launched into a brutal takedown of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese—leaving even his co-hosts visibly stunned.

“This isn’t leadership. This isn’t passion. This is flat-out disgraceful,” Tyrus said, staring straight into the camera. “Angel Reese, you’re destroying the foundation that women’s basketball legends spent decades building. This is a national embarrassment!”

What Set Tyrus Off?

While Tyrus didn’t single out one specific play, his rant was clearly aimed at Reese’s escalating pattern of controversial behavior—culminating in last weekend’s headline-grabbing matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces.

During that game, Reese was caught taunting Aces players after made shots, arguing relentlessly with referees, and engaging in over-the-top celebrations that many viewed as disrespectful. The tension hit a boiling point when Reese appeared to mock an injured opposing player, drawing audible gasps from the crowd and scorn from commentators.

By Monday morning, clips of her antics had flooded social media feeds nationwide.

Tyrus Pulls No Punches

Tyrus’s comments came during a heated discussion about sportsmanship in today’s WNBA. While Greg Gutfeld opened the topic with a more playful tone, Tyrus took it to another level.

“Look, I love a good showboater as much as anyone,” Tyrus said. “But there’s a line. And Angel Reese crossed it—then stomped on it. This isn’t just bad optics. This is setting the women’s game back ten years. Sponsors see this. Parents see this. Young girls learning the game see this. And what they’re seeing right now is ugly.”

Social Media Reacts: Division and Outrage

Within minutes, the internet exploded.

Supporters of Angel Reese, many of whom admire her unapologetic style and her role in bringing attention to the WNBA, quickly rallied to her defense. Hashtags like #WeRideWithReese and #LetHerPlay began trending on X.

“She’s passionate, she’s authentic, and she’s giving this league a pulse,” one fan wrote. “Tyrus needs to sit this one out.”

On the flip side, Tyrus found support from traditionalists and even some former players. One retired WNBA veteran tweeted: “Tyrus said what many of us have been thinking. There’s a way to play with fire without burning down the whole house.”

Even sports analysts joined the fray. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith added his voice to the debate: “Angel Reese is a phenomenal talent, no question. But leadership comes with responsibility. And right now, she’s walking a fine line between showmanship and self-destruction.”

Angel Reese Responds—and Doubles Down

True to form, Reese wasted no time firing back.

In a fiery post on X, Reese wrote: “Not gonna apologize for being myself. If you want cookie-cutter athletes, go watch someone else. I’m here to compete, inspire, and change the game. Period.”

The post went viral instantly, drawing over 10 million views in less than 24 hours.

In a post-game interview later that evening, Reese expanded on her feelings. “I play with heart. I play with emotion. I’m not going to be bullied into being quiet just because it makes some people uncomfortable,” she said.

The WNBA’s Silence Speaks Volumes

As the controversy escalates, the WNBA itself has remained noticeably silent. No official statement has been released, and league insiders say officials are “monitoring the situation closely.”

Behind the scenes, sources suggest league leadership is deeply divided. Some fear that failing to address Reese’s behavior could alienate longtime fans and sponsors. Others argue that Reese represents the league’s best chance at breaking through to a larger, younger, more diverse audience.

“The WNBA is at a crossroads,” said one league executive anonymously. “Do we lean into the drama and embrace a new era of bold, brash stars—or do we double down on the traditional image of grace and sportsmanship?”

A Broader Cultural Debate

This isn’t just about one player and one outburst. The Reese-Tyrus clash has reignited a broader conversation about race, gender, and double standards in sports.

Critics point out that male athletes—from NBA stars to NFL players—have displayed far more outrageous behavior without facing the level of scrutiny Reese is now enduring.

“She’s being policed for the same kind of swagger we celebrate in male athletes every day,” sportswriter Jemele Hill noted in a recent op-ed. “The real question here isn’t ‘Is Angel Reese out of line?’ It’s ‘Why do we hold women—especially Black women—to a different standard?’”

What’s Next for Reese—and the League?

For now, Reese shows no sign of slowing down. Her jersey sales remain among the league’s top sellers, her social media following continues to skyrocket, and TV ratings for Chicago Sky games are up 30% compared to last season.

But as the pressure mounts, questions linger. Will the league step in with a formal warning or disciplinary action? Will Reese modify her approach in response to the backlash—or will she continue to lean into her role as the WNBA’s most polarizing star?

One thing’s for sure: Whether you love her or hate her, Angel Reese isn’t going anywhere.

As she told reporters after the Sky’s latest game: “They can talk. They can criticize. But at the end of the day, I’m still here, still balling, and still making history.”

The debate rages on—and women’s basketball may never be the same again.