Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has reportedly ignited a firestorm by announcing she will not participate in Pride Month celebrations in June 2025, allegedly stating that “‘woke’ doesn’t deserve to be remembered.” The claim, circulating on X, has fueled intense debate about Reese’s stance, her role in the WNBA, and the intersection of sports and social issues. However, with no credible evidence from mainstream sources confirming these remarks, the story appears to be speculative, potentially exaggerated to provoke controversy in an already polarized media landscape.

The alleged statement surfaced through unverified X posts, with no outlets like ESPN or Sports Illustrated reporting Reese’s rejection of Pride Month as of June 5, 2025. The phrase “‘woke’ doesn’t deserve to be remembered” echoes rhetoric from conservative commentators critical of progressive movements. Notably, a 2023 Newsweek article reported backlash against Fox News for celebrating Pride Month, with critics like Matt Walsh accusing the network of jumping on the “woke bandwagon.” Reese’s supposed comment could align with similar sentiments, but there’s no direct evidence tying her to this stance. Her past social media activity, like a September 2024 post saying “Woke up blessed” after earning an MVP vote, suggests she uses the term “woke” positively, casting doubt on the claim’s authenticity.

Reese’s prominence in the WNBA, marked by her rookie season’s double-double records and a historic 500 points and rebounds milestone, has made her a focal point for cultural debates. Her rivalry with Caitlin Clark, amplified by incidents like the sparsely attended June 7, 2025, game in Chicago when Clark was injured, already spotlighted disparities in fan draw and media coverage. The Pride Month narrative adds fuel, with some X users framing Reese’s alleged refusal as a bold stand against performative activism, while others criticize it as a step back from the WNBA’s inclusive ethos. The league has long embraced Pride Month, with teams hosting events to honor the LGBTQ+ community, making Reese’s supposed rejection a potential point of contention with fans and peers.

The lack of a verifiable quote or statement from Reese raises red flags. Her public persona, shaped by outspoken moments like calling out media bias in 2023, doesn’t align with avoiding social issues entirely, but there’s no precedent for her rejecting inclusivity campaigns. The claim may stem from misinterpretations of her comments on fairness in the WNBA, where she’s argued that her contributions are undervalued compared to Clark’s. X posts exaggerating her frustration could have morphed into this narrative, a common tactic in online sports controversies to drive engagement. The absence of corroborating reports suggests this could be misinformation, similar to unverified claims about other athletes.

If true, Reese’s stance would mark a significant shift, potentially alienating parts of the WNBA’s diverse fanbase while resonating with those skeptical of “woke” culture. However, her focus has consistently been on her game and advocacy for equitable recognition, not divisive social statements. The story’s timing, amid ongoing discussions about her rivalry with Clark, hints at an attempt to paint her as a counterpoint to progressive ideals. Until Reese or her team clarifies, this remains a speculative controversy, highlighting the challenges athletes face navigating fame in a divided digital age. Fans await evidence, but for now, the narrative seems more about clicks than substance.