Angel Reese’s “Protect Black Women” Shirt Adds to the WNBA Finals’ Overall Strangeness
Reese’s shirt draws attention
Reese, an Atlanta Dream star, wore the shirt while arriving at Chase Center in San Francisco for Game 5 against the Golden State Valkyries. The article said it was unclear whether the wording referred to a specific issue or was meant as a general statement.
Reese has previously expressed views on social issues, the article noted. She is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and had been playing well in the series, but faced a pivotal matchup against the Valkyries.
Fans debate the message
Some fans questioned how people would respond if a White WNBA player wore a shirt reading “Protect White Women.” The article compared the discussion with reactions earlier in the season to Sophie Cunningham’s “Protect women’s sports” message. The debate reflects disagreements over the messages players convey to fans. The article suggested that “Protect women” could have been a more fitting phrase, while also describing the broader discussion as part of the Finals’ public attention.
Anthem adds to scrutiny
Dream star Rhyne Howard told OutKick she did not think she had been on the court for the anthem during her time in Atlanta. She said that when she wears a USA jersey, she is on the floor for the anthem every time.
Key points
- Angel Reese wore a “Protect Black Women” shirt before Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.
- Fans discussed how similar messages from players might be received.
- Players from both Finals teams left the court before the Game 4 national anthem and returned after it ended.
- Rhyne Howard said she did not believe she had been on the floor for the anthem during her Atlanta tenure.