WNBA star and former Notre Dame star Arike Ogunbowale discussed rumors in a recent interview of a rivalry between Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese. “Media love to, you know, make up some type of storyline, make up some type of drama between players,” Ogunbowale said in the interview.
She added that Clark and Reese are super-competitors and have earned respect across the board, but really she would dispel any notion there was real animosity or rivalry between them. In fact, she would add, it’s misleading and takes away from the accomplishments on the court whenever the media try to make their interaction out to be more than competitive spirit.
Social media and drama-driven fans have fueled much of the discussion between Clark and Reese over the years. But Ogunbowale said that kind of narrative is toxic. And one that pits women against each other in a sport that stands well in the shade of men’s basketball, gets even less attention. Instead, Ogunbowale said, the attention should fall to celebrating the talent and hard work both Clark and Reese bring to the game.
Indeed, in her adoption of the rumor, Ogunbowale was able to divert the attention of her friends back to what is truly important: the talent, hard work, and contributions that players bring into the game. Her comments are an important reminder that rivalries are all good and fine, but should never shine brighter than accomplishments and respect from one player towards another.
