“Caitlin Clark Was A Bad Guy”: Caitlin Clark Painted As The ‘Bad Guy’ During The On-Court Drama With Angel Reese In Gilbert Arenas’ Twist

Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese
Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark pose for photos before the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports


The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has long transcended the court, fueling discussions about media narratives and racial dynamics in sports. On Monday’s “Gil’s Arena” episode, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas claimed that Clark gave Reese the “bad guy” image during their collegiate showdowns, being brought to the professional scene.

The Clark-Reese rivalry notably started when Reese, during the 2023 national championship game between Iowa and LSU, pointed her ring finger and gestured the “You Can’t See Me” remark toward Clark. This Saturday, both players got into another confrontation after the Indiana Fever star pushed the Chicago Sky star, preventing an easy layup.

Arenas argued that Clark, during her time at the Hawkeyes, embraced the “villain” role with her assertive on-court behavior.

“Caitlin Clark was a bad guy,” Arenas said. “she was the one that was f***ing with everybody doing all this, waving, turning her back on everybody, everybody was like, ‘Oh, she’s a cocky little son of a b****.’”

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Co-host Sheryl Swoopes then highlighted the double standards in public reactions, noting that Caitlin Clark’s were often celebrated, while Reese faced heavy backlash for similar behavior.

“When Caitlin did that, everybody was like, ‘Oh my god! Did you see what she did? Oh!’ Everybody loved it,” Swoopes on Arenas’ stand. “Everybody loved it. As soon as Angel did it, all of a sudden it’s, ‘How dare she?’”

Caitlin Clark's Flagrant Foul Call On Angel Reese Gets Sheryl Swoopes Perspective. Photo credits: ImagnCaitlin Clark’s Flagrant Foul Call On Angel Reese Gets Sheryl Swoopes Perspective. Photo credits: Imagn
Arenas countered Swoopes’ stance, claiming that Caitlin Clark strategically distanced herself from the “bad guy” image, allowing Reese to inherit the role.

“‘So, you took my thing from me, and I’m gonna be the innocent white girl,’” Arenas said. “Caitlin’s never done that move since, she gave it to Angel, saying, ‘Have fun, I’m gonna be this darling innocent girl who don’t do nothing wrong.’ That’s been what’s happened.”

Arenas added that Caitlin Clark and Reese’s showdowns become one-sided, with Clark being the good guy and Reese being the bad.

Caitlin Clark achieves record despite loss against Atlanta

Caitlin Clark added another milestone in her WNBA career, becoming the fastest player in league history to reach 350 assists. The Indiana Fever star reached the mark in just 42 games after dishing a layup assist to Aliyah Boston in the first quarter against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday.


USATSI 26237255 168400517 lowresIndiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) attempts a 3-pointer against Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Caitlin Clark beat the record previously set by Houston Comets legend Ticha Penicheiro, who hit 350 assists in her 47th game in 1999. Clark also now holds the WNBA record for the most games with 25+ points and 10+ assists, doing so for the fourth time in her career.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever, WNBAIndiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after scoring a 3-pointer against Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Despite Clark’s feats, the Fever ultimately lost against the Dream, 90-91. They seek redemption against the same team on Thursday.

For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.


Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.