Michelle Obama speaking about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese (Photo Via Imagn Images)
It’s rare that the former First Lady would talk about a basketball rivalry. But when Michelle Obama decided to speak about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, people was curious. The two young stars gave women’s basketball into a new fan following. With that they’ve also carried few controversies that don’t seem to stop.

Clark and Reese have history. From college games to WNBA clashes, their battles have become must-watch. But their rivalry isn’t limited only to the court. It has pulled in social media, and even an official league probe into alleged racist remarks directed at Reese. That mix has given enough attention to both.

Obama Calls Out Social Media Pressure

Angel Reese standing next to Caitlin ClarkAngel Reese and Caitlin Clark (Photo via Imagn Images)
Obama shared her thoughts this week on the All the Smoke podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. She clearly spoke up. “I think the tough thing is the social media element to it – but that’s true across the board,” she said. She pointed out that today’s athletes live with a constant wave of opinion, and much of it isn’t kind.

“These young kids today, what they have to go through, what they have to be able to withstand, because social media is such a huge part of the world,” Obama said. She explained that hate doesn’t stay in the stands anymore. It follows players into their rooms and onto their phones. “Now the hate is in your room, on your phone, with you all the time,” she added.

She also noted the double bind players face. They can’t log off because their careers depend on engagement. “They are expected to stay engaged,” she said. “So, I think that makes it feel even worse.”

Her comments came as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry remains one of the biggest storylines in the league. In May, Clark knocked Reese to the ground during the Indiana Fever’s season-opening win over the Chicago Sky. Reese reacted furiously, and Clark picked up a flagrant foul. The fallout included an investigation into alleged racist behavior from fans in Indianapolis. Ten days later, the WNBA announced it found no evidence to back the claims.

Clark and Reese haven’t faced each other since that on fire opener. Injuries have kept both sidelined at times this summer. But with the emotions high their next meeting promises more drama. Obama’s message, though, was clear, the game is hard enough without the endless echo of hate that now trails behind.