Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese will not be participating in the team’s exit interview today, per Winsidr’s “C-Way.” The rising star, who has often been the subject of controversy, plans to take the interview at a later date.
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Skips Team Exit Interview
How Reese Came Under Fire After Interview Comments
Reese’s sophomore season in the WNBA came to an end on Thursday. It was not a ceremonious exit, as she was on the bench for the team’s regular-season finale. It could also be the end of her career with the Sky. One of the more outspoken players in the league, she’s under fire for inflammatory but candid comments.
Frustrated with her team frequently being on the wrong end of the final score, Reese recently suggested she might leave the team if they didn’t make improvements to the roster. She specifically emphasized the need for the team to acquire “great players,” criticizing veteran point guard Courtney Vandersloot. Vandersloot, who’s recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, is highly decorated player but has not played well the past two seasons.
These remarks led to disciplinary action from Chicago; a half-game suspension. Even after Reese apologized and clarified that she had been misquoted, the tensions remained high.
With that being said, the double-double extraordinaire has also been sidelined due to a lingering back injury, missing several games. Sky head coach Tyler Marsh confirmed that Reese’s physical pain prevented her return. However, multiple players emphasized the importance of locker room unity in response to her comments.
The situation has sparked discussions about Reese’s future in Chicago. An anonymous WNBA executive recently suggested that Reese should consider leaving the team, describing the Sky as “probably the worst-run organization in the league.” The executive criticized the team’s handling of Reese’s comments, insisting that it was unfair for them to suspend their best player just because “she’s putting pressure on you to get better.”
Delayed Exit Interview Adds to Speculation About Future
Reese’s decision to delay her exit interview has only fueled speculation about her future with the Sky.
Two years into her rookie contract, she still has two years remaining on the deal. However, her public criticisms and the team’s ongoing struggles raise questions about whether she’ll seek a change in the offseason. The delayed interview suggests that Reese may be taking extra time to reflect before discussing it with the team.
She’s not the only player on the team to have her interview rescheduled though, as veteran guard Ariel Atkins will also have her exit interview scheduled for an unspecified date. The circumstances behind Atkins’s situation are unclear as well. Nevertheless, fans have been buzzing, and many see her postponed exit interview as a signal that she may be considering leaving Chicago. With that in mind, both Reese and the Sky could benefit from a move, though it can also be argued that both parties have mishandled the situation.
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