SHOCKING: Stephen A. Smith FINALLY Calls Out Angel Reese – ‘You Went Too Far!’
In a moment that has the entire sports world buzzing, Stephen A. Smith—the voice of ESPN and arguably the most influential commentator in modern sports media—has finally broken his silence on Angel Reese’s controversial behavior, and he did not hold back.
“You went too far,” Smith said bluntly on a heated segment of First Take earlier this morning. And with that sentence, he echoed the sentiments of millions of fans who have watched Angel Reese walk the tightrope between confidence and controversy all season long.
Let’s rewind.
Angel Reese, star rookie for the Chicago Sky, has been at the center of multiple on-court altercations, viral taunts, and headline-grabbing moments in her debut WNBA season. While her talent is undeniable—and her college legacy at LSU legendary—her transition to the pros hasn’t been without turbulence.
From jawing at opponents to brushing off criticism in post-game interviews, Reese has projected a defiant, no-apologies attitude. That might have worked in the NCAA, but now, under the brighter lights and stiffer competition of the WNBA, fans and analysts are beginning to ask the hard questions.
And now? Stephen A. is one of them.
“I’m all for swagger. I’m all for showing emotion. I’m all for standing your ground,” Smith began. “But when you start disrespecting your opponents and your own teammates, and when your antics start overshadowing your play—we have a problem.”
Smith pointed directly to a recent incident during a tense game between the Sky and the Indiana Fever. Reese, after a missed call, was seen shoving another player, yelling at the ref, and storming to the bench with visible frustration—not just with the officials, but allegedly with her own teammates. Footage showed her gesturing aggressively toward the bench, and lip-readers on social media picked up some choice words.
And that’s where Stephen A. drew the line.
“She’s too good for this,” Smith continued. “Angel Reese has the tools to be a superstar. But if she keeps letting her emotions dictate her actions, she’s going to sabotage her own career before it even begins.”
The reaction online was swift and intense. Some fans defended Reese, praising her fire and passion. Others agreed with Smith, saying it’s time for her to focus on growth rather than headlines.
One fan tweeted:
“Stephen A. said what everyone’s been thinking. Angel Reese is great—but she needs to mature. Fast.”
Another posted:
“Nobody’s saying she can’t be fiery. But there’s a difference between energy and ego. Right now, she’s toeing the line.”
Smith also made it clear that this isn’t a personal attack. In fact, he said he’s rooting for Reese—but as someone who’s seen countless athletes rise and fall, he knows the warning signs.
“This is tough love,” he said. “You want to be the face of the league? Then act like it. You want to inspire young women across the country? Then lead like it. That means staying composed. That means lifting your team, not blaming them.”
So, what happens next?
That depends on Angel Reese.
She can continue down the current path—racking up views and headlines but drawing growing criticism. Or she can take the advice of one of the most respected voices in sports and evolve into the leader and legend she’s fully capable of being.
Either way, the spotlight is only getting hotter. And in the WNBA, where every move is magnified, you don’t get unlimited chances to get it right.
Stephen A. Smith has spoken.
Now the ball’s in Angel Reese’s court.
