During their first encounter in the WNBA, former LSU women’s basketball teammates Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson faced off in a game that concluded with the Seattle Storm defeating the Atlanta Dream 105-90 at Climate Pledge Arena. Despite the competitive nature of the match, the postgame moment that attracted the most attention was not a highlight from the court, but rather an interaction—or lack thereof—between the two players.
Following the final buzzer, ESPN drew criticism for spotlighting a segment showing what appeared to be a handshake snub between Reese and Johnson. The network shared a clip capturing this brief moment in the closing minute, emphasizing the tension between the former college teammates instead of the game’s outcome or other key plays.
WNBA Fans Push Back on ESPN’s Handshake ‘Snub’ Highlight
The backlash from WNBA supporters was swift, as many felt the network’s focus on the handshake exchange detracted from the achievements displayed during the game. Fans argued that highlighting this incident overshadowed the athleticism and competitive spirit both players demonstrated throughout the contest. The attention given to the perceived slight sparked debate over media priorities in covering women’s professional basketball.
This controversy underscores the scrutiny female athletes often face regarding their conduct, even in moments where the primary focus should remain on their performance. As two prominent figures from LSU’s basketball program now competing at the professional level, Reese and Johnson’s matchup represents a significant milestone, yet the narrative was diverted by a fleeting postgame interaction rather than their on-court efforts.