MLB Broadcaster’s Sharp Critique of Angel Reese Sparks Controversy at White Sox Game

Angel Reese Trademarks “Mebounds,” Turns online Criticism into Philanthropic Fuel

Breaking News: March 14, 2024 – WNBA star Angel Reese is taking control of her narrative – and capitalizing on it. Following a viral moment where she playfully acknowledged the collaborative nature of rebounding during a game, Reese has officially trademarked the term “mebounds” and launched a merchandise line, with proceeds benefiting her Angel C.Reese Foundation.

The genesis of “mebounds” came during a recent game discussion, where Reese highlighted that rebounds aren’t solely individual achievements. “The ideas be good,” she quipped, “when y’all came up with mebounds – cause, statistically, all the rebounds I get aren’t always just mine. They’re the defenses, too, or somebody else’s on my team – but when y’all came up with mebounds, y’all [ate].” The phrase quickly resonated with fans, becoming a symbol of teamwork and a lighthearted response to online commentary.

Now, Reese is turning that viral moment into a force for good. Merchandise featuring the “mebounds” slogan is available on her website, and a portion of the sales will directly support the Angel C. Reese Foundation, dedicated to combating cyberbullying.

This move comes as Reese has publicly addressed the intense scrutiny and cyberbullying she’s faced,particularly after leading LSU to the NCAA Championship against Caitlin Clark in 2023. In a previous interview,Reese revealed the harassment escalated to threats targeting her personal life,forcing her to alter her lifestyle and build a stronger emotional defence.

“It was bigger than basketball when they were finding my address [and] my car,” Reese shared. “I had to change my whole lifestyle.” while she’s developed a “thicker skin,” she acknowledges that not everyone is equipped to handle such attacks.

Reese credits the supportive surroundings within the WNBA for helping her navigate these challenges. “That’s what I really love about this league: being able to have sisters,” she explained. “I don’t have any sisters. Being able to have sisters here who really, really care about me and knowing I can take that and transform that into the community.”

Beyond the Headline: The Rise of Athlete Activism and Brand Ownership

Angel Reese’s story exemplifies a growing trend of athletes leveraging their platforms for social impact and taking ownership of their personal brands. The trademarking of “mebounds” isn’t just a savvy business move; it’s a demonstration of agency. It allows Reese to control the narrative surrounding a phrase born from online interaction, transforming potential negativity into a positive force.

This strategy mirrors similar moves by other prominent athletes who are increasingly focused on building businesses and foundations that align with their values. It’s a shift from customary endorsement deals to a more holistic approach to brand building, where athletes are not just faces of companies but active creators and owners.

Furthermore, Reese’s commitment to combating cyberbullying is particularly relevant in today’s digital landscape. The rise of social media has created new avenues for harassment and abuse, and athletes – often in the public eye – are frequently targets. By using her platform to raise awareness and provide resources, reese is contributing to a crucial conversation about online safety and mental health.

The “mebounds” initiative serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, athletes can turn challenges into opportunities, both for themselves and for the communities they serve. it’s a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to making a difference.

To what extent does this incident reflect broader societal double standards regarding emotional expression in male versus female athletes?

The Incident: What Happened at Guaranteed Rate Field?

During the August 2nd, 2025, White Sox game against the Cleveland Guardians, veteran MLB broadcaster Steve Stone ignited a firestorm of controversy with comments directed towards WNBA star Angel Reese, who was in attendance. stone, known for his candid analysis, critiqued Reese’s courtside demeanor, specifically referencing perceived excessive party and taunting during her recent WNBA games with the Chicago Sky.

The comments, made during the 7th-inning stretch, were picked up by the live broadcast and quickly spread across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Initial reports suggest Stone stated Reese’s behavior was “not something you want to emulate” and questioned its sportsmanship. The exact wording remains a point of contention as clips circulated online are often fragmented.

Key Quotes and reactions

The immediate fallout was significant. Here’s a breakdown of the key reactions:

Angel reese’s response: Reese herself has yet to directly address Stone’s comments publicly as of this writing. Her representatives have issued a brief statement acknowledging the situation and stating she is focused on her WNBA season.

White Sox Organization: The White Sox released a statement expressing disappointment with the comments, stating they “do not reflect the values of the organization.” They emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and respect.

WNBA players & League: Several prominent WNBA players, including Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson, voiced their support for Reese and criticized Stone’s remarks as unneeded and possibly harmful. The WNBA Players Association released a statement condemning the “unprofessional and disrespectful” commentary.

MLB Fans & Media: Social media exploded with debate.#AngelReese and #SteveStone trended nationally.Opinions were sharply divided, with some defending Stone’s right to offer critical analysis and others accusing him of sexism and double standards. Sports commentators weighed in, with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith calling the situation “a mess” and highlighting the differing expectations placed on male and female athletes.

The Core of the Controversy: Double Standards in Sports?

The controversy isn’t simply about the specific comments made by steve Stone. It taps into a larger conversation about the acceptable levels of emotion and celebration in sports, and whether those levels differ based on gender.

Male Athlete Celebrations: Historically, demonstrative celebrations by male athletes – think LeBron James’ iconic roar or Tom Brady’s fist pumps – have been largely accepted, even celebrated, as displays of passion and competitive spirit.

female Athlete Celebrations: Female athletes, though, frequently enough face criticism for similar displays, being labeled as “aggressive,” “unsportsmanlike,” or “attention-seeking.” Angel Reese’s confident and assertive style of play, including her signature “wave” gesture, has been a frequent target of this criticism.

The “Respect” Argument: A central argument from Stone’s defenders is that his critique was about respecting the game and opponents. Critics counter that this argument is often selectively applied, and that demanding “respect” can be a way to silence and control female athletes.

Steve Stone’s Career and Past Controversies

Steve Stone, a former MLB pitcher and Cy Young award winner, has been a broadcaster for over three decades. He’s known for his insightful baseball analysis, but also for his occasionally blunt and controversial opinions.

Previous Criticisms: Stone has faced criticism in the past for comments perceived as insensitive or outdated. This incident adds to a pattern of scrutiny regarding his on-air persona.

Broadcast Style: His broadcasting style often involves direct, unfiltered commentary, wich some viewers appreciate for its honesty, while others find abrasive.

Potential Consequences: The White Sox have not announced any disciplinary action against Stone, but the incident has undoubtedly damaged his reputation and sparked calls for his removal from the broadcast booth.

the Impact on Angel Reese and the WNBA

this incident extends beyond a single baseball game. It has broader implications for Angel Reese and the WNBA:

* Increased Visibility: The controversy has undeniably brought increased attention to Reese and the