Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese dropped an expletive during a live halftime interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe on Sunday as the Dream hosted Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena.
The comment aired uncensored on national television, and clips of the exchange spread across social media within minutes.
A portion of the reaction went beyond criticism of the broadcast itself to call for Reese to be formally fined over her language.
WNBA Fans Take Exception to Angel Reese’s Explicit Language
Reese had a rough first half with just 7 points and 2 turnovers. Atlanta trailed early but clawed back with a scoring run late in the second quarter, taking a 44-40 lead into the halftime break. Reese contributed to that stretch with 5 points, a defensive rebound, and an assist.
As the teams headed to the locker room, Rowe caught up with Reese for ESPN’s standard in-game sideline interview, an unscripted segment that airs live with no broadcast delay.
During the halftime interview, Reese was asked what changed to help her settle in after a slow start. She responded candidly, including an expletive that the broadcast did not censor.
“I was playing like [expletive] in the beginning, but it’s a game of runs. You’ve got to put that in your back pocket just because you know you have teammates that have your back,” Reese said.
Clips of the exchange spread quickly on social media. A recurring theme among the reactions was the question of discipline, with one user saying, “How are they gonna allow her to curse [on] TV? @espn [there] are kids watching this, fine her.”
One X user even called out Rowe for entertaining her comment saying, “And ESPN thinks that is funny. Look at the reporter!”
A fan was so offended by Reese’s comments that he wrote, “What a thug. On national TV cursing?? I’ll never let my granddaughter watch a game Angel Reese is in.”
Another directed criticism at ESPN, writing, “MORE PROOF @espn IS A CLOWN NETWORK.”
Finally, one user questioned the Dream forward’s conduct, saying, “No class man. Kids are watching, right?”
The WNBA has not announced any fine or formal action against Reese yet. Whether the broadcast moment draws any response beyond the harsh online reaction remains to be seen. The Fever, however, went on to win the game 95-91 in overtime.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.