The LSU Women’s Basketball team is having quite the year after securing their first title in the program’s history. Winning the 2023 NCAA National Championship title over Iowa has sparked controversy and praise worldwide. LSU players were not pleased when Dr. Jill Biden invited both teams to the White House, an honor usually reserved only for the winning champions. This didn’t sit well with star Angel Reese or any other members of the team. Now, actress Gabrielle Union is coming to their defense
On Wednesday, Union penned a sweet Instagram message to the predominantly Black basketball team. The Deliver Us From Eva star shared a photo of the LSU players and wrote: “Black women deserve to be celebrated, applauded, encouraged, and uplifted. For far too long, we’ve carried the weight of others on our backs, shoulders, bosoms, and heads. Now is our time to be seen in every form of the human experience, whether in loss, grief, or celebration.”
Gabrielle Union Supports LSU Ladies
Both sports fans and commentators have slammed the LSU ladies, specifically Reese, for poor sportsmanship. This was specifically due to a famous John Cena hand gesture she made on the court directed at Iowa star Caitlin Clark. However, Union, like many others, alluded to the ladies being wrongly viewed as confrontational on the court, adding: “To every Black woman who has felt misunderstood, under-appreciated, or unseen, this is your permission to be unapologetically you.”
Reese has emerged as the unofficial spokesperson and villain of the team for her honesty. Despite Dr. Biden’s apology, the 20-year-old made headlines when she said the players would not be attending the White House. LSU’s athletic department has confirmed the team will be in attendance at the White House, though it’s unclear if Reese herself will join her teammates. She’d previously shared that she’d prefer to meet former first lady Michelle Obama instead. The uproar surrounding Reese has reminded sports fans of track star Sha’Carri Richardson. Her outspokenness fueled much hate, leaving many unfond of her. Knowing the burden of such critique, Richardson has also lent her support to the LSU women’s team.