In the ever-evolving world of sports, where competition, culture, and controversy collide, few stories have captured the internet’s attention quite like the recent feud between former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) and WNBA superstar Angel Reese. What began as a misguided attempt at commentary has spiraled into a public spectacle involving allegations of racism, threats, and the kind of online drama that only modern sports media can deliver.

A History of Tension

Robert Griffin III is no stranger to controversy. Once hailed as the future of the NFL, Griffin’s pro football career was derailed by injuries, but his transition to sports media kept him in the spotlight. Known for his outspoken takes and willingness to wade into hot-button issues, RGIII has often found himself at the center of debate. But his latest dust-up with Angel Reese, one of the WNBA’s brightest young stars, may be his most contentious yet.

The roots of their conflict stretch back to RGIII’s repeated commentary on the so-called “rivalry” between Reese and fellow WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark. Griffin has previously accused Reese of harboring “hate” for Clark, using cherry-picked video clips of their on-court battles as supposed evidence. Many observers saw this as little more than competitive fire between two elite athletes, but RGIII’s framing fanned the flames of an already heated discourse.

The NBA 2K26 Cover and Racist Backlash

The situation reached a boiling point when Angel Reese was announced as one of the featured cover athletes for the upcoming NBA 2K26 video game—a landmark achievement for any player, especially a young Black woman in a league still fighting for mainstream respect. The internet, however, can be an ugly place. Racist trolls quickly emerged, flooding social media with vile, misogynistic, and racist memes, including photoshopped covers that replaced Reese with a monkey.

The backlash was swift and severe, with fans, athletes, and celebrities rallying around Reese. But in the midst of this, RGIII attempted to insert himself into the conversation once more. In a lengthy tweet, he condemned the racist attacks on Reese but also dredged up old wounds, accusing her of “aiding” in violent threats against his own family.

RGIII’s Accusations: Defending or Deflecting?

“Alright. This has got to stop. There is no place for racism in this world. Whether you like a player or not, Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a Monkey,” RGIII wrote on X (formerly Twitter). But the post didn’t stop there. He went on to claim, “I have been quiet on the Angel Reese front because she shared a video that aided in my wife, kids, family, and friends receiving death threats, threats of physical harm to my family and friends, and threats of sexual violence to my children on social media and beyond. That will never be okay with me.”

Griffin insisted that he never attacked Reese or her family, and doubled down on his assertion that she “hates” Caitlin Clark, even claiming that members of Reese’s inner circle privately confirmed this to him. “Some people made it about race, but I never did and never will,” he wrote. “Instead of becoming the villain in anyone’s story, I decided to just not.”

But for many, RGIII’s attempt to defend Reese from racism while simultaneously blaming her for threats against his family rang hollow—and reeked of deflection. With “defenders” like these, who needs haters?

Angel Reese Responds: Calling Out the Clout Chasers

Angel Reese, never one to shy away from speaking her mind, responded with the kind of sharp, succinct clapback that has made her a fan favorite. “Lying on this app when everybody know the first and last name of everybody in my circle for clout is nastyyy work,” she posted, making it clear she rejected RGIII’s claims and saw his actions as little more than a grab for attention.

Reese’s response resonated across social media, with fans and fellow athletes rallying to her side. Many pointed out the irony of RGIII blaming Reese for the toxicity he helped stir up, while failing to acknowledge the racist and misogynistic abuse she endures on a daily basis.

A Family Affair: Bernice King and Mama Reese Weigh In

If the drama wasn’t enough, the situation escalated further when Bernice King—the daughter of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—entered the fray. King, a respected activist in her own right, urged RGIII to take his grievances offline and handle them with maturity. “I agree. That’s why I suggest you call Angel Reese and stop posting about her,” King tweeted, offering the kind of calm, measured advice that seemed sorely needed.

Angel Reese’s mother also joined the conversation, publicly calling RGIII a liar and defending her daughter’s character. The support from both family and prominent voices only added to the sense that RGIII had overstepped.

A Teachable Moment—or a Missed Opportunity?

The RGIII-Reese saga is more than just another Twitter beef. It’s a window into the complexities of race, gender, and celebrity in the age of social media. For Reese, the episode is a painful reminder of the double standards she faces—not only must she excel on the court, but she must also navigate the minefield of public scrutiny, coded language, and outright racism that too often accompanies her success.

For RGIII, the incident is a cautionary tale about the perils of inserting oneself into conversations under the guise of allyship, while inadvertently (or perhaps intentionally) reigniting old controversies and shifting blame. At a time when Black women athletes are finally beginning to receive the respect and recognition they deserve, the last thing anyone needs is a “defender” who makes the story about himself.

The Internet Reacts: Cornball Brotha Goes Viral

As the dust settled, the internet had its say. RGIII was roundly mocked for his self-serving statements, with many resurrecting ESPN commentator Rob Parker’s infamous description of Griffin as a “cornball brotha”—someone who talks a big game about the culture but misses the mark when it matters most.

The episode also sparked broader conversations about how Black women in sports are treated by the media, their peers, and the public. If nothing else, it served as a reminder that the fight for respect, dignity, and fair treatment is far from over.

Who Really Wins?

In the end, the RGIII vs. Angel Reese saga is less about who’s right and more about what it reveals. Reese remains undaunted, focused on her game and her growing legacy. RGIII, meanwhile, may want to take Bernice King’s advice and think twice before weighing in on matters that don’t require his intervention.

For sports fans, the lesson is clear: support your heroes, call out injustice, but don’t let the noise drown out the real stories of triumph, resilience, and excellence that athletes like Angel Reese continue to write every day.