Angel Reese on Alyssa Thomas Foul: WNBA Veterans ‘Don’t Give a Damn if I’m a Rookie’

Jack MurrayMay 26, 2024

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Angel Reese is not fazed by some physical contact.

The Chicago Sky rookie was on the receiving end of a hard foul from Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas Saturday in the Sky’s 86-82 loss. Thomas received a flagrant foul and was ejected from the game.

SportsCenter @SportsCenterAlyssa Thomas was ejected after a hard foul on Angel Reese. pic.twitter.com/CxJNDkfePd

Following the matchup, Reese pushed back on the narrative that she is receiving physical play due to her rookie status.

“It’s not just because I’m a rookie, I’m a player,” Reese said in her postgame press conference. “I’m a basketball player, they don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. I want them to come at me every day.”

Julia Poe @byjuliapoeAngel Reese on that hard foul by Alyssa Thomas which led to an ejection: “They don’t give a damn if I’m a rookie. … They’re not supposed to be nice to me. … Thank you AT for sending a message to me because I got back up and I kept going.” pic.twitter.com/tZUsMjSm8g

Reese continued by saying that she doesn’t expect or want players to treat her differently because she is a rookie and also said that there is no bad blood between herself and Thomas.

“Thank you AT for sending a message to me,” Reese said. “Because I got back up and kept pushing. Me and AT have been cool since we were in Maryland, so I know that it’s no hard feelings.”

The foul occurred as Reese and Thomas battled for a rebound and the latter raised her arm into Reese’s neck and appeared to push Reese into the ground. The rookie hit the ground with some force but did remain in the game.

She finished with 13 points and five rebounds as her Sky fell to 2-2 on the season.