Football Analyst Robert Griffin III Sparks Fierce Online Debate Over WNBA Star Angel Reese Amid Racist Photoshop Controversy

On May 8, 2025, Robert Griffin III (commonly known as RG3), the former NFL quarterback turned football analyst, found himself at the center of a heated social media storm involving WNBA All-Star Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. The controversy erupted after a deeply offensive, racist photoshopped image targeting Reese went viral online.

The Racist Photoshop Image That Shook the Sports World

The controversial image depicted Angel Reese’s face manipulated to resemble a monkey—a blatant and hateful racial slur aimed at dehumanizing the rising star. This disturbing act of racism surfaced shortly after Reese’s announcement as the cover athlete for the highly anticipated NBA 2K26 video game, a prestigious honor signaling her growing influence in professional sports.

The photo quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting widespread outrage and prompting discussions about racism, respect, and athlete treatment in modern sports.

Robert Griffin III Speaks Out Strongly Against Racism

RG3 did not hesitate to condemn the racist attack publicly. Taking to Twitter, Griffin wrote:

“Alright. This has to stop. There is no place for racism in this world. Regardless of whether you like a player or not, Angel Reese should never be called or portrayed as a monkey.”

His statement resonated with many fans and advocates, reinforcing the urgent need to confront and eradicate racism within the sports community and beyond.

The Dark Reality Behind Angel Reese’s Online Harassment

Griffin also revealed that he had remained silent about Reese’s situation for some time because she has been the target of extremely serious threats, including death threats and sexual violence threats directed not only at her but also at Griffin’s family. He emphasized the gravity of this harassment:

“I stayed silent about Angel Reese because she shared a video showing my wife, kids, family, and friends receiving death threats, injury threats… and sexual violence threats against my children on social media and other places. I will never accept that.”

This revelation exposed the deep and harmful impact such harassment can have on athletes and their loved ones, showing the toll beyond the public eye.

Angel Reese Fires Back: Calling Robert Griffin III a Liar

Despite Griffin’s efforts to defend her, Angel Reese publicly criticized him, accusing him of dishonesty regarding his stance on her. Without naming him directly, Reese posted on social media:

“Lying on this app when everyone knows the names and identities of all the people in my circle to influence others is a very terrible act.”

Her pointed response highlighted tensions between the two figures and complicated the narrative surrounding the controversy.

The Complex Relationship Between Reese and Caitlin Clark

Adding to the drama, Griffin revealed insider information about Reese’s deteriorating relationship with fellow rising star Caitlin Clark, whom Reese reportedly increasingly dislikes due to constant media comparisons and questions.

Griffin stated:

“People close to Angel have called me and said I’m right, and Angel Reese increasingly hates Caitlin Clark because the media keeps asking her about Caitlin and constantly comparing them.”

He further explained that some individuals were turning this sports rivalry into a racial issue, something Griffin firmly rejected:

“Some people are making this a race issue, but I have never and will never do that. Instead of becoming the villain in anyone’s story, I decided not to.”

Angel Reese’s Mother Responds to Griffin’s Claims

Reese’s mother, also named Angel, weighed in on Griffin’s post, expressing skepticism about his claim that people in Reese’s circle contacted him. She wrote:

“Come on, stop wearing the hat. My daughter’s circle is small and tight, so I want to know who called (you). Anyone you say ‘called’ (you) is not in her circle to speak about her feelings before a media/fandom-fueled controversy.”

Her comments indicated that the family wants to control the narrative and push back against outside interpretations of Reese’s feelings and actions.

Public Reactions and Social Media Storm

The controversy quickly became a hot topic online, with divided opinions flooding social media. Many praised Griffin for his vocal stand against blatant racism, arguing that public figures must confront such behavior to protect minority athletes. Conversely, others accused him of meddling in Reese’s personal matters and exacerbating tensions.

Some criticized Reese for her blunt dismissal of Griffin’s defense, fueling further debate about loyalty, truth, and public perception in high-profile athlete disputes.

The Bigger Picture: Racism and Respect in Modern Sports

This incident highlights a persistent and troubling issue within professional sports: the prevalence of racism and personal attacks online. Minority athletes frequently face disparaging, discriminatory remarks that threaten their mental health and safety.

The ongoing dialogue sparked by this event underscores the urgent need for sports organizations, media outlets, and fans to foster an environment of respect, inclusion, and support.

Conclusion

The Robert Griffin III and Angel Reese controversy transcends individual conflict and touches on broader societal challenges surrounding race, media, and athlete representation. While opinions vary widely, one point remains clear: condemning all forms of racism and protecting athletes from harassment is essential to creating a fair and respectful sporting world.

As this story continues to evolve, all eyes will remain on both Reese and Griffin, alongside the sports community’s response to this significant cultural moment