How an angel became a villain

By CAMIKE JONES Angel Reese’s characterization has far less to do with who she is and much more to do with the spectator’s insatiable need to place people in distinct categories. Hero and villain. Good guy versus bad guy. Or in this case, good girl versus bad girl. What we do know about both Reese, who was a forward at Louisiana State University, and Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark, the hero to Reese’s anti-hero, is they are both collegiate-level athletes. This means they both had the will and skill to make it into this elite league. Both have worked for years perfecting their game. Both have attained academic success, being admitted to two of the top schools in the nation. Both have become leaders on their respective teams. Notwithstanding their individual statistical achievements on the court, the narrative that has become pervasive is that Reese is the antithesis of Clark. One is exemplary while the other does not show enough grace or class. One is the beacon of hope for the future of women’s basketball while the other is viewed as a blemish to the sport. There is no room for gray or nuance. There is no allowance for each person...