Angel Reese, the standout star of women’s basketball, has garnered immense attention for her skills on the court and her larger-than-life presence off it. Recently, she made headlines not for her athletic prowess but for deleting her Instagram following a controversial New Year’s Eve video. The video, which was shared on her Instagram and later remained on her TikTok, sparked a significant backlash, forcing Reese to step away from the social media platform entirely.

On the Stephen A. Show, the discussion about Reese’s decision was a hot topic, with Tory Cooper and Stephen A. Smith offering differing perspectives on the matter. While it’s clear that Reese is a talented athlete and a powerful figure in the basketball world, the conversation veered into the pressures and pitfalls of social media, personal branding, and public scrutiny.

The Social Media Backlash

Reese’s Instagram post was met with criticism from some fans and observers who took issue with the content she shared. While the video was meant to be celebratory, some felt it was inappropriate and objectifying. In response to the negative comments, Reese chose to delete her Instagram account, signaling her discomfort with the backlash. This move highlights a growing trend among public figures—especially younger ones—who are confronted with the pressures of curating an online persona that balances authenticity with public expectations.

A Conversation on Branding

While Reese’s choice to delete her account might have been driven by the immediate pressure she felt, it’s also an important reflection of the larger issue many athletes, particularly women, face when building their personal brands. Stephen A. Smith pointed out the challenge of being compared to figures like Caitlyn Clark, another star in the women’s basketball world. While both players have significant talent, their personal brands are being constructed in very different ways.

Caitlyn Clark has garnered attention for her impressive on-court performances and has also skillfully built a marketable brand off the court. However, the comparison between the two players, especially given their contrasting approaches to public image, is inevitable. Reese, who became a household name after her memorable performance against Clark in the NCAA championship, finds herself under constant scrutiny, not just for her abilities but also for her personal choices.

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

The discussion of branding naturally leads to the reality of social media’s role in shaping athletes’ careers today. In an age where followers, likes, and shares contribute to an athlete’s financial success, maintaining a public persona becomes both a blessing and a curse. Social media provides athletes with a direct avenue to engage with fans and sponsors, but it also opens them up to criticism and judgment.

Tory Cooper emphasized that Reese is still young, only 22 years old, and is learning how to navigate the spotlight. He suggested showing Reese grace during this time and recognizing that she’s still figuring out how to manage her growing fame and the associated pressures. At 22, most people are still discovering themselves, but the difference is that Reese’s journey is being watched by millions, and every decision is magnified.

The Pressure of Perfection

One of the more sobering points of the conversation was the reality that Reese, as a young woman in a high-profile position, is held to a different standard than her male counterparts. Smith pointed out that while Reese has every right to express herself through fashion and social media, she must also be aware of the scrutiny that comes with it. As much as she has the right to live her life authentically, others will form opinions based on what she presents to the public.

There’s also the added complication of the “perfect” branding presented by athletes like Caitlyn Clark. With Clark’s marketability and careful public image, the comparison to Reese’s choices—such as her social media posts and public appearances—inevitably draws attention, especially in the world of sports marketing. This raises the question: Is Reese’s authenticity hindering her opportunities to capitalize on her brand?

A Lesson in Grace and Growth

Ultimately, the conversation surrounding Angel Reese’s deleted Instagram is about more than just a single video or post. It’s about the broader pressures athletes, especially young women, face when trying to balance their personal lives with the demands of an ever-watchful public. As Cooper and Smith pointed out, Reese is still learning, and with time, she’ll likely figure out how to handle these pressures. However, the incident serves as a reminder that the intersection of fame, personal expression, and social media can be a tricky terrain to navigate.

For Reese, this could be a moment of growth. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact of her online presence, but it’s also a chance to reclaim her platform with more intentionality. As she continues to carve out her place in both basketball and the public eye, there’s a lesson here for all of us about the complexities of living in the digital age and the importance of finding balance between authenticity and public perception.