5 Key Facts Behind The Angel Reese 'Monkey NBA2K' Image Controversy And Her WNBA Dominance

The digital age has unfortunately created a new battleground for professional athletes, where their on-court performance is often overshadowed by vicious online attacks. As of December 2025, the name Angel Reese is not only synonymous with her stellar performance for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA but also with a deeply disturbing and widely publicized racist incident involving a digitally manipulated image, often searched for as "Angel Reese monkey NBA2K." This controversy, which erupted around a photoshopped game cover, exposed the ugly underbelly of online harassment and the intense scrutiny Black female athletes face.

This article provides the most current, up-to-date facts surrounding the offensive image, the high-profile media fallout, and how the WNBA star continues to dominate, both in her second professional season and within the virtual world of the NBA 2K video game franchise. The conversation surrounding the term "monkey NBA2K" is rooted in a racist digital attack, not an official game element, and understanding its context is crucial to appreciating the ongoing challenges faced by one of basketball's brightest talents.

Angel Reese: A WNBA Star's Profile and Biography

Angel Reese, often nicknamed the "Bayou Barbie," has quickly become one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in professional basketball. Her career trajectory from college phenom to WNBA All-Star has been meteoric, marked by both exceptional talent and a fiercely competitive spirit.

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• Full Name: Angel Reese
• Born: May 6, 2002
• Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
• Position: Power Forward / Center
• College Career: Started at Maryland before transferring to LSU, where she led the Tigers to their first-ever NCAA Championship in 2023.
• Professional Team: Chicago Sky (WNBA)
• WNBA Draft: Selected 7th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
• Career Highlights (as of 2025): Two-time WNBA All-Star (2024, 2025), WNBA All-Rookie Team, NCAA Champion (2023).
• Notable Stats: Broke the WNBA record for single-season rebounds per game in her rookie season.

Reese's aggressive playing style, coupled with her unapologetic confidence and success in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) market during college, positioned her as a cultural icon even before she entered the WNBA. Her rivalry with fellow rookie Caitlin Clark has been a major storyline, driving unprecedented viewership and interest in the league.

The Disturbing 'Monkey NBA2K' Image Controversy Explained

The search term "Angel Reese monkey NBA2K" refers to a specific, hateful incident of online racism, not a feature within the game itself. The controversy centers on a racist, digitally manipulated image that went viral on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), in late 2025.

The Racist Photoshopped Image

The image in question was an offensive, photoshopped picture that depicted Angel Reese with the head of a chimp or monkey superimposed onto a body, often placed on a mock-up of an NBA 2K game cover. This type of racist caricature has historically been used to dehumanize Black people, and its application to a prominent Black female athlete sparked immediate and widespread outrage.

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The Context of the Attack

The image appeared to circulate amid ongoing, often toxic, online debates about WNBA player ratings in the NBA 2K series, particularly comparing Reese's rating to that of Caitlin Clark, or following a perceived slight or on-court incident. The controversy highlighted the racialized nature of criticism and harassment directed at high-profile athletes like Reese, who often faces disproportionately harsh judgment compared to her white counterparts.

The incident was a stark reminder of the online abuse that athletes, especially women of color, endure. The use of a video game cover template, such as one from the NBA 2K franchise, was merely a vehicle for the racist attack, leveraging the current sports media cycle for maximum visibility.

The High-Profile Sports Media Fallout

The circulation of the racist image led to a significant public dispute among sports personalities, drawing even more attention to the severity of the online attack and the need for accountability.

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The Robert Griffin III (RGIII) and Ryan Clark Feud

The fallout was dramatically amplified by a public feud involving former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III (RGIII) and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, alongside Angel Reese's mother, Angel Webb. RGIII posted a strong condemnation of the racist image, stating, "Angel Reese should never be called or depicted as a Monkey," and emphasizing that there is no place for racism.

However, the situation escalated when RGIII made further claims, which led to a heated, on-air exchange with Ryan Clark and Reese's mother. Clark and Reese's mother publicly challenged RGIII's narrative and his handling of the situation, accusing him of misrepresenting facts or using the controversy for his own gain. This public spat in the sports media landscape underscored the sensitivity and complexity of addressing such a vile act of racism.

Support from Sports Icons

The incident drew support for Reese from various corners of the sports world. Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, a vocal supporter of Reese since her LSU days, publicly "shut down" the haters and offered his backing after the comparison of the racist image to her official NBA 2K presence. This show of solidarity helped to counter the negativity and reaffirm Reese's status as a respected athlete.

Angel Reese's Dominance in NBA 2K25 and Beyond

Despite the toxic environment created by the "monkey NBA2K" image and subsequent drama, Angel Reese's professional standing and presence in the NBA 2K franchise remain strong and positive, a testament to her skill and star power.

A Top-Rated WNBA Star

In the official NBA 2K25 game, Angel Reese was given an impressive 90 overall rating. This rating placed her among the highest-rated players in the WNBA section of the game, second only to her rival Caitlin Clark (91 overall) among the rookies, and confirmed her status as one of the league's elite young talents. Her high rating reflects her exceptional rebounding, defensive prowess, and impact on the court for the Chicago Sky.

Topical Authority and LSI Keywords

The continuous discussion around Reese's NBA 2K rating, particularly in comparison to other players, is a key driver of fan engagement and controversy. The official rating and her inclusion in modes like MyTEAM are positive attributes that contrast sharply with the hateful, unofficial, racist photoshopped image. The game itself is a platform that celebrates her skill, providing a counter-narrative to the online negativity.

Angel Reese continues to focus on her career with the Chicago Sky, cementing her status as a two-time WNBA All-Star and a foundational piece for her team's future. Her ability to navigate intense scrutiny, online harassment, and high-profile feuds while maintaining her elite performance is a defining characteristic of her young career. The "Angel Reese monkey NBA2K" incident serves as a crucial, unfortunate case study on the intersection of sports fame, social media toxicity, and racial prejudice in the modern era.