BET Awards Catching Major Backlash Over Controversial Angel Reese Announcement

Angel Reese (Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images)
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese made history this week.

She was named BET Sportswoman of the Year for the third consecutive year.

The 23-year-old WNBA athlete was honored Sunday night at the 2025 BET Awards, continuing a winning streak that began in 2023 when she was still playing for the LSU Tigers.

Known as the “Bayou Barbie,” Reese rose to national prominence during her standout college career at LSU, where she led the Tigers to a national championship in 2023, defeating Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the process.

Since being drafted by the Chicago Sky in April, Reese has drawn praise for her rebounding prowess and aggressive playing style. She has quickly become one of the WNBA’s most talked-about players on and off the court.

Unfortunately for her, she, as well as BET, is catching significant backlash over this award.

Angel Reese beat out several notable athletes to receive this award, including Simone Biles, Coco Gauff, Sha’Carri Richardson, Juju Watkins, and A’ja Wilson.

Fans aren’t happy that Reese has already won BET Sportswoman of the Year three times.

Social Media Rips BET Over Angel Reese Receiving Award

“Over A’ja, Sha’Carri and Simone Biles??? Wasn’t there outrage on a certain Mt. Rushmore post recently? 😂😂 this why I can’t take you folks seriously fr lol,” one fan said.

“What went into the voting? Level of play? Off court contributions? Obviously, my mind goes to A’ja, Biles, and Gabby Thomas. I mean Sydney Mclaughin-LeVrone as well…,” a second fan stated.

“How is she winning awards for being ass,” a third fan asked.

“Is this a Make a Wish Award?” a fourth fan asked of Angel Reese winning.

“for quite literally being inefficient and bad at the sport? How? She’s a “big” and shoots 30% from the field. won 0 major awards and was on one of the worst teams in the sport. A’ja Wilson got shafted. Sickening,” a final fan commented.