LSU star Angel Reese has publicly expressed her frustration with First Lady Jill Biden's decision to invite the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team to visit the White House alongside the Tigers. The ceremonial visit is typically reserved for championship winners, but Dr. Biden said she would ask President Joe Biden to extend an invitation to the Hawkeyes as well.
Following their game against LSU, both Iowa star Caitlin Clark and head coach Lisa Bluder stated that they do not believe their team should participate in this White House visit. "As honored as we are by this opportunity, we feel it undermines our hard work if other teams who have not won a championship are also invited," said Clark.
Reese played a key role in securing victory for her team during the tournament; she posted 15 points and 10 rebounds throughout a game dominated by LSU from start to finish. However, it was at one particular moment when she made headlines: while performing John Cena’s “You can’t see me” gesture during an earlier match in the tournament.
Clark faced criticism after copying Reese's move – prompting widespread discussions on racism within sports media and basketball itself. While some argue that such gestures or acts should be limited only for specific occasions of triumphs like championships wins, others maintain that these athletes deserve equal recognition without having race play any part in determining which players get praised more than others.
Angel Reese responded directly about how disappointed she felt over Dr. Jill Biden inviting another non-championship-winning team along for what is usually considered an exclusive ceremony:
The controversy surrounding these invitations highlights ongoing issues related not only to race but also the importance of recognizing and celebrating individual as well as team accomplishments in sports. As discussions continue, it remains unclear whether the Iowa Hawkeyes will ultimately accept or decline their White House invitation.