At Monday’s BET Awards, Angel Reese became a three-time Sportswoman of the Year, joining Serena Williams as the only athletes to receive the honor. Claressa Shiels spoke out against that, stating, “I thought accolades mattered.”
Shields and Reese were nominated alongside A’ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, Dawn Staley, Flau’jae Johnson, JuJu Watkins, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Simone Biles.
“Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other nominees [shrug emoji],” Shields wrote. “I just though accolades mattered.”
Shady.
Fans attempted to provide context, but Shields wasn’t having it: “Yes she does but who has more accolades…. More success in their field. Please use google before responding.”
A few notes: this isn’t a lifetime achievement award. Angel Reese led the WNBA in double-doubles, became an All-Rookie and an All-Star in her first season in the WNBA. Sounds like accolades.
You can see Shields’ original message below.