Tyrus Slams Angel Reese as a “National Embarrassment”—And Sparks a Firestorm That Could Reshape Women’s Basketball

In a moment that instantly lit up social media and sports talk shows nationwide, Fox News personality and former professional wrestler Tyrus unleashed a blistering critique of WNBA star Angel Reese during a live broadcast. His words—sharp, unforgiving, and directed squarely at Reese’s recent on-court behavior—have ignited a national debate about sportsmanship, gender, and the future of women’s basketball.

The Moment That Stopped the Show

With millions watching, Tyrus didn’t hesitate to call out what he described as Reese’s “latest antics.” His tone was less of a hot take and more of a public dressing-down. “You’re destroying everything we’ve built over decades,” Tyrus said, pausing for effect before delivering the line that’s now circulating on highlight reels across the internet: “This is an absolute disgrace to women’s basketball.”

The studio fell silent. Even Greg Gutfeld, known for his own sarcastic jabs, sat stunned. Producers reportedly cut to commercial faster than usual as the panel scrambled to regain composure.

What Sparked the Outburst?

Though Tyrus didn’t name a single incident, insiders point to a series of headline-grabbing moments during the Chicago Sky’s recent game against the Las Vegas Aces. Reese was seen taunting opponents, engaging in heated arguments with referees, and celebrating with gestures some deemed excessive—even by professional sports standards.

Clips from the game went viral within minutes. On one side were fans cheering Reese’s fiery spirit; on the other were critics accusing her of being disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.

“This isn’t about passion,” Tyrus later clarified in a follow-up appearance. “This is about respect—for the game, for your teammates, and for every woman who’s ever picked up a basketball. Angel Reese is embarrassing herself and the league.”

Social Media Explodes

No sooner had Tyrus’s comments aired than social media erupted. The hashtags #StandWithAngel and #DisgraceToTheGame trended simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter), symbolizing just how polarized the discussion had become.

Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie was among the first big names to weigh in. “We should be uplifting our young stars, not tearing them down on national TV,” she tweeted. “Let’s have a real conversation about what women’s basketball needs.”

Meanwhile, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith offered a more measured critique. “There’s a line between competitive fire and disrespect. The question is whether Angel Reese has crossed that line—and whether the league is ready to deal with it.”

Angel Reese Fires Back

If Tyrus was expecting an apology, he didn’t get one. Within hours, Reese posted a fiery response that only intensified the conversation.

“I’m not sorry for being myself,” she wrote. “I play with heart. I play with passion. I play for every little girl who’s ever been told to sit down and be quiet. If that makes me a ‘national embarrassment,’ so be it.”

Her message quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking a wave of support from fans and fellow athletes alike. “She’s exactly what this league needs,” one fan tweeted. “Energy, visibility, and a refusal to back down.”

A Divided League—and a Divided Audience

Behind the scenes, WNBA executives are said to be monitoring the situation closely. According to sources within the league, there’s concern that incidents like this could overshadow the sport’s ongoing growth.

“We want players to be themselves,” said one league official, speaking anonymously. “But we also have a responsibility to uphold the values of the WNBA. This is bigger than one player—it’s about what kind of league we want to be.”

This debate cuts to the heart of a larger identity crisis facing women’s basketball. For decades, the league has fought for mainstream respect and recognition, often emphasizing teamwork, humility, and sportsmanship. But the arrival of social-media-savvy, outspoken stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark has fundamentally changed the landscape.

“We built this league on discipline and humility,” Tyrus insisted during his segment. “We didn’t fight this hard for visibility just to have it turned into a sideshow.”

The Bigger Picture: Entertainment vs. Tradition

Not everyone agrees. Sports journalist Jemele Hill argued that the WNBA could stand to learn a few lessons from the NBA’s own history of embracing larger-than-life personalities.

“The NBA survived Dennis Rodman, Allen Iverson, and countless others who ruffled feathers,” Hill said on her podcast. “Women’s basketball needs stars with swagger. That’s how you sell tickets. That’s how you grow the audience.”

Marketing experts echo that sentiment. Dana Goldstein, a consultant specializing in sports branding, noted, “Drama sells. Personalities sell. The WNBA has a real opportunity here to lean into the conversation rather than run from it.”

The Double Standard?

Another layer complicating this controversy is the question of gendered expectations in sports. Many fans have pointed out that male athletes routinely display far worse behavior without being labeled national embarrassments.

“If a male NBA player did half of what Angel Reese just did, we’d call him passionate,” said one viral post. “But when it’s a Black woman doing it in the WNBA? Suddenly it’s a disgrace.”

Where Does the League Go from Here?

So far, the WNBA has declined to issue an official statement on the controversy. But insiders say the topic is now a top priority in internal meetings.

“This is a turning point,” said a longtime league executive. “We’re seeing a generational shift—not just in how players express themselves, but in how fans expect the league to respond.”

For her part, Reese remains defiant and unapologetic. After a recent game, when asked if she had any regrets, she smiled and said simply, “I’m here to win. I’m here to inspire. And I’m here to stay.”

A New Era for Women’s Basketball?

Whether Angel Reese’s boldness will be remembered as a moment of empowerment or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The days of quiet, controversy-free women’s basketball are over.

The sport is changing—fast, loud, and unapologetically. And Angel Reese is right at the center of it.