Angel Reese wrapped up a challenging second year with the Chicago Sky, where her on-court dominance couldn’t quite lift the team out of its slump. Leading the league in rebounds and earning her second All-Star nod, she still found herself at the center of controversy after some pointed remarks about the franchise’s direction.
As the season drew to a close, her decision to sit out practices and the finale only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans divided on whether she’s committed or ready to bolt. As Reese is rumored to part ways with Sky, social media is boiling over.
Angel Reese Sat Out For Chicago Sky’s Season Finale
While Chicago already has a lot of reasons not to feel the joy of the season moving to the playoffs, players sitting out of the games are still getting the heat. The backlash hit a peak when reports surfaced of Reese showing up to practice in street clothes, skipping active participation amid swirling trade speculation.
This move, coupled with her confirmed absence from the Sky’s last game against the New York Liberty, sparked a wave of sharp criticism from parts of the WNBA fanbase, who accused her of checking out too soon.
Angel Reese refused to play for a Chicago’s final game of the season 😬 pic.twitter.com/yYaJSThHrp
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) September 12, 2025
Reports broke on September 11 that Angel Reese had skipped a Chicago Sky practice, showing up in clothes that were not the Sky’s jersey, instead of workout gear, right as trade rumors heated up. This came just days after her back injury sidelined her for the final stretch, including the season-ending game against the Liberty on September 11, which the Sky lost 91-86.
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Head coach Tyler Marsh confirmed before the game that Reese wouldn’t play, calling it a disappointing injury-plagued year for the whole team and leaving her status up in the air for any potential return. However, a fan was even wearing a “Free Angel” shirt at the Wintrust Arena.
WNBA Fans Lash Out At Angel Reese For Sitting Out Game
With a tight schedule and a tighter demand for more physical play, players can opt to hang around the resting bench and not be on the active roster. Though this story could be completely different if you were Angel Reese. Soon after, fans became aware of the news, and social media filled up with displeased comments.
“She’s not talented enough to pull this act,” a fan commented.
She’s not talented enough to pull this act
— Yankyguy (@GA_Optimal) September 12, 2025
“lol bro who tf does she think she is lmfao,” another one wrote.
lol bro who tf does she think she is lmfao
— DK (@dk0321_) September 12, 2025
“They’ll probably win without her inefficient a**,” a third fan added.
They’ll probably win without her inefficient ass
— Skol House Rock (@El_Jefe_Mayor) September 12, 2025
“She’s mid anyway,” a fourth one quipped.
She’s mid anyway.
— Stakit (@stakit_live) September 12, 2025
“She’s going to the WNBA D-League,” another comment read.
She’s going to the WNBA D-League
— Ghostface (@Ghostfac3Kill3r) September 12, 2025
However, now, with the season over, attention shifts to Reese’s future, as teams like the Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings eye her as a trade target to pair with their young cores. It will be an interesting development to see going forward.