Controversy Erupts Over RGIII’s Tweets on Angel Reese
A significant controversy has erupted in the sports world following a series of tweets by former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Robert Griffin III (RGIII) concerning WNBA star Angel Reese. The posts, which included the re-sharing of a racist image and claims about Reese’s relationship with fellow player Caitlin Clark, have drawn widespread condemnation, most notably from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
On July 10, 2025, Griffin posted on X (formerly Twitter) what he claimed was a condemnation of a racist, AI-generated image depicting Angel Reese as a monkey playing basketball. However, by reposting the offensive image, Griffin inadvertently amplified its reach to his millions of followers. In the same thread, Griffin reiterated his long-standing assertion that Reese “hates” Caitlin Clark, claiming that “people in Angel’s inner circle” had confirmed his belief. This narrative has been a recurring theme in Griffin’s commentary on the two WNBA stars.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Vehement Defense of Angel Reese
Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, who shares a close bond with Angel Reese from their time at LSU, vehemently defended her against Griffin’s comments. Speaking on Bailey Jackson’s Off the Record podcast, O’Neal issued a stern and public warning to Griffin. “RG3? Tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese and I’m going to punch you in my f—ing face,” O’Neal stated, adding, “It’s enough. I don’t usually do stuff like this, but just stop it bro.” Shaq emphasized his role in advising Reese not to respond to such provocations and urged Griffin to “Leave my Angel Reese alone.” He further criticized Griffin’s commentary on women’s basketball, suggesting he should “Stay out of them peoples’ category,” implying that such commentary is best left to those directly involved in the sport, like WNBA players themselves. (Times Now News)
Reese and Her Mother Respond to ‘Clout Chasing’ Claims
Angel Reese herself responded indirectly to Griffin’s claims on X, writing, “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 publicly refuted Griffin’s assertion about her daughter’s inner circle, tweeting that her daughter’s circle is “so small & tight” and that whoever Griffin claimed called him “is not in her circle [to] speak on her feelings towards a media/fandom made up beef.” (Yahoo Sports)
Broader Criticism and Satirical Commentary
Sports commentator Ryan Clark also weighed in, criticizing Griffin’s “strange fascination” with Angel Reese and his perceived need to be “both the victim and the hero” in the narrative. Clark highlighted that Griffin’s tweet, while condemning the racist image, was the first place many of his followers saw it. He accused Griffin of “lying on her and her inner circle” to perpetuate a “media/fandom made up beef.” This incident follows a previous public spat between Griffin and Clark in May, where Griffin was accused of pushing a narrative of Reese’s jealousy towards Clark with racial undertones. (Yahoo Sports)
Adding a unique layer to the discourse, The Baltimore Banner published a satirical column by Kyle Goon, written from the exaggerated perspective of Robert Griffin III. The piece sarcastically mirrored Griffin’s perceived self-promotional tendencies, his insistence on the Reese-Clark rivalry despite denials from both athletes, and his controversial stance that sports are “never about race,” even when discussing historical figures like Jackie Robinson. The satirical article underscored the criticism that Griffin often inserts himself into narratives for attention, even when addressing serious issues like racism. (The Baltimore Banner)
The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of sports commentary in the digital age, particularly when it intersects with issues of race, gender, and personal rivalries.
