March 5, 2025 – Stephen A. Smith, never one to mince words, has turned his sharp critique toward Angel Reese, lambasting her recent behavior as reckless and disappointing. The fiery analyst didn’t hold back, contrasting Reese’s actions with the poised professionalism of WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark, spotlighting a rift in how the two stars navigate their rising fame.

The uproar began when Reese grabbed headlines—not for her on-court prowess, but for a daring social media move and a jaw-dropping outfit that ignited a firestorm of criticism. The backlash grew so fierce that Reese briefly shut down her Instagram on New Year’s Day, only to reactivate it shortly after, amplifying the drama.

Stephen A. Smith’s Criticism: “What Are You Doing?!”

On his platform, Smith unloaded on Reese, questioning why she’s letting off-court stunts eclipse her undeniable talent as one of the WNBA’s top rebounders. “Caitlin Clark is managing her image like a seasoned vet, but Angel? Come on, what are you doing?!” he exclaimed.

Smith expressed dismay at Reese’s apparent obsession with online buzz, suggesting it’s overshadowing her potential as a basketball star. Her temporary social media vanishing act only deepened concerns about where her priorities lie.

The spark that set off this latest controversy? A bold dress that critics described as “barely there,” instantly turning it into a viral lightning rod. Reactions ranged from fans championing Reese’s freedom of expression to detractors—including Smith—arguing it was a glaring misstep. “Every move you make comes with consequences,” Smith cautioned. “Those pics got you noticed, but is this the attention you were after?”

The ensuing backlash prompted Reese to deactivate her Instagram, a decision that only fanned the flames of public debate.

Drawing the Clark Comparison

Smith didn’t shy away from stacking Reese up against Caitlin Clark, who recently snagged Rookie of the Year honors and was a contender for league MVP. “While Angel Reese keeps stirring up self-inflicted chaos, Caitlin Clark is a textbook example of focus and professionalism,” he asserted.

He praised Clark for letting her game speak volumes, while accusing Reese of inviting distractions that drown out her on-court brilliance. Smith and his co-commentator warned that these off-court antics could jeopardize Reese’s standing in the WNBA. “Teams are paying attention—don’t kid yourself,” Smith stressed. “When your off-court noise outshines your play, it sends up warning signals.”

Reputation on the Line

Smith underscored that in the pro leagues, reputation carries as much weight as skill. Right now, Reese’s social media escapades are stealing the spotlight from her basketball achievements. He pointed to social media’s dual nature—while it’s a powerful tool for branding and fan engagement, it can also magnify misjudgments with lasting fallout.

“Caitlin Clark leverages social media to highlight her wins and solidify her image,” Smith noted. “Reese seems stuck chasing fleeting hype instead of building a legacy.” He urged her to pivot, warning that these controversies could slam the door on lucrative endorsements and career-defining opportunities.

A Larger Lesson for Young Athletes

At the core of Smith’s critique lies a bigger question: What kind of role model is Reese shaping up to be? He lauded Clark as an emblem of dedication, humility, and professionalism, while suggesting Reese occasionally gets lost in fame’s trappings.

“To the young players out there, take notes,” Smith advised. “Caitlin Clark is showing the blueprint—stay locked in, avoid the drama, and let your talent do the talking.”