Angel Reese’s Teammate Ariel Atkins Comes To Her Defense, Calls Out Media For Lack Of ‘Respect’: ‘Her Crown Is Heavy’

Angel Reese’s Teammate Ariel Atkins Comes To Her Defense, Calls Out Media For Lack Of ‘Respect’: ‘Her Crown Is Heavy’

Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky teammate, Ariel Atkins, made it clear she’s over the “irrelevant” media questions that she feels show a lack of respect toward Angel.

During a recent post-game interview, following the Sky’s tough 85–66 loss to the New York Liberty, Angel was asked about the online scrutiny she’s been receiving, especially as the team struggles with a 2–6 season record.

While Angel answered gracefully, the question prompted Ariel to speak up about the media’s focus on topics unrelated to basketball. She said:

“This is a 23-year-old kid, and the amount of crap that she gets on a day-to-day [basis], and she still shows up. This is a 23-year-old kid who handles herself with grace. Her crown is heavy.”

She continued:

“So, whatever else y’all wanna come at her for—the way that she acts—she has to build the wall. She has to have the wall, because if she doesn’t, people will break her down. Not only just because of the way she looks, but because of the way she carries herself… She knows who she is, and we ain’t gonna break her down for that. The kid’s crown is heavy. Like, respect that.”

Angel later reposted the moment on her X account, showing love for Ariel’s unwavering support. She simply wrote:

“love my Vet man”

We love to see it!

What are your thoughts on Ariel standing up for Angel?

Authored by: Kay Johnson