Claressa Shields wasn't happy after losing BET award to Angel Reese: 'I just thought accolades mattered'
It was also enough for Reese to secure her third straight BET Sportswoman of the Year award. Reese — who was up against a number of big-name candidates — won the honor during the BET Awards on Monday.
Advertisement
One of those candidates, however, wasn't pleased about the decision. Boxer Claressa Shields expressed disappointment over losing out on the award, saying, "I just thought accolades mattered."
Shields expanded on those thoughts in additional tweets, saying she has more accolades and has experienced more success in her field than Reese. Shields also called the award a "popularity contest."
Shields has accomplished quite a bit over her career. She's a two-time Olympic gold medalist who is a perfect 16-0 in her boxing career. She's been nominated for the BET Sportswoman of the Year award two other times, but lost out to Simone Biles in 2020 and Naomi Osaka in 2021.
Advertisement
While Shields has experienced plenty of success, the award only takes the previous year into consideration. Shields won the WBO light heavyweight and WBC heavyweight titles in 2024, but only took part in one fight.
Reese, by comparison, finished out her college career, got drafted and excelled in the WNBA. She accomplished quite a bit last year.
After receiving some backlash, Shields said she's "not joining in on any hate train" for Reese.
Shields' comments came prior to the Sky's 85-66 loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Following the contest, Reese's teammate, Ariel Atkins, praised Reese for the way she continues to show up and play well despite the criticism she receives online.
Reese led the Sky with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
6 minutes ago
- USA Today
Liberty vs. Sky odds, tips and betting trends - 8/21/2025
The Chicago Sky (8-26) will attempt to snap a six-game road losing skid at the New York Liberty (22-13) on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET. In its previous game, New York were winners at home over Minnesota 85-75, with Jonquel Jones (22 PTS, 10 REB, 70.0 FG%, 3-5 from 3PT) and Sabrina Ionescu (17 PTS, 11 AST, 27.8 FG%, 4-10 from 3PT) the standout performers. In its previous game, Chicago lost at home to Seattle 94-88, with Ariel Atkins (19 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL, 44.4 FG%, 2-5 from 3PT) and Angel Reese (19 PTS, 7 REB, 69.2 FG%) leading the way. Ahead of this matchup, here's everything you need to get ready for Thursday's WNBA action. Watch this game on Prime Video! New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 6:05 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Liberty moneyline insights Sky moneyline insights Liberty vs. Sky: Game time and info Watch this game on Prime Video!
Indianapolis Star
8 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
2 Indiana football players named to preseason USA Today Sports All-America teams
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football's preseason honors list lengthened Wednesday, when two Hoosiers, linebacker Aiden Fisher and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, were selected as second-team USA Today All-Americans. Their inclusion continues a trend — both Fisher and Ponds were selected to multiple postseason All-America teams following the 2024 season, and they are among the Hoosiers' most decorated players heading into the coming campaign. Fisher stands as the Big Ten's leading returning tackler, having posted 118 last fall. He finished 2024 with five games of double-digit tackles, and he boasts nine for his career. Ponds finished last season with 55 tackles, 12 passes defensed and three interceptions. He returned one of those for a touchdown against Washington. Ponds also blocked a kick on special teams. Offense QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR Ryan Williams, Alabama TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt OT Spencer Fano, Utah OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama OG Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State OG Ar'maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M C Jake Slaughter, Florida Defense DE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina DT Peter Woods, Clemson DT Zane Durant, Penn State DE T.J. Parker, Clemson LB Anthony Hill, Texas LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh LB Whit Weeks, LSU CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame S Caleb Downs, Ohio State S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Specialists K Dominic Zvada, Michigan P Brett Thorson, Georgia RET Keelan Marion, Miami (Fla.) AP Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh Offense QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State WR Antonio Williams, Clemson OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.) OT Jordan Seaton, Colorado OG Kayden Green, Missouri OG Keyland Rutledge, Georgia Tech C Logan Jones, Iowa Defense DE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon DT Christen Miller, Georgia DT Tim Keenan, Alabama DE Colin Simmons, Texas LB CJ Allen, Georgia LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson S Michael Taaffe, Texas S Koi Perich, Minnesota Specialists K Will Ferrin, Brigham Young P Palmer Williams, Baylor RET Barrion Brown, LSU AP Isaac Brown, Louisville Breakthrough coming? USA TODAY Sports Network's Big Ten football preseason rankings tabs Penn State as best Big Ten picks: USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 preseason All-Big Ten college football team, awards Offense QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame RB Makhi Hughes, Oregon WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State WR Ryan Williams, Alabama TE Max Klare, Ohio State T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama T Spencer Fano, Utah C Logan Jones, Iowa G Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech G Vega Ioane, Penn State Defense DE Mikail Kamara, Indiana DE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina DT Peter Woods, Clemson DT Christen Miller, Georgia LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State LB Anthony Hill, Texas LB Austin Romaine, Kansas State CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame S Michael Taaffe, Texas S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Specialists K Dominic Zvada, Michigan P Brett Thorson, Georgia Returner Barion Brown, LSU All-Purpose Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
USA Today
36 minutes ago
- USA Today
These 5 NBA offseason moves weren't splashy. They may help win 2026 title.
Think of the trade for Alex Caruso and what that did for the Thunder. Caruso, a defensive stopper, assimilated instantly into Oklahoma City's scheme and drew massive assignments — such as guarding Nuggets center Nikola Jokić — during the team's NBA Finals run. Think of the Bucks adding backup center Bobby Portis in free agency the offseason before they beat the Suns in six games to win their first NBA Finals in 50 seasons. Often, it's the overlooked moves that carry massive implications for a team's playoff hopes, and this offseason was no different. Here are five under-the-radar moves that may have gone unnoticed but may prove to be key to championship contention in 2025-26: Bruce Brown rejoins Nuggets Trading for Cameron Johnson boosts Denver's offense in a serious way. Signing veteran guard Bruce Brown — who was a member of the Nuggets' 2023 championship squad but had since moved on to the Pacers, Raptors and Pelicans — is all about leadership and defense. In his lone season in Denver, 2022-23, Brown averaged career-bests in points (11.5), assists (3.4) and minutes (28.5). Brown is an asset because he can switch on pick-and-rolls and helps facilitate on offense. He understands the culture and what's needed to win it all. Dorian Finney-Smith signs with Rockets This move was overshadowed by the trade to land Kevin Durant, but signing Dorian Finney-Smith feels like a move that was done in response to the rise of the Thunder. The Rockets, with Finney-Smith, suddenly have elite length and defensive athleticism at the wing, which should align with clamping Oklahoma City players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Finney-Smith can also hit 3s — he shot a career-best 41.1% from beyond the arc last season — so he also helps spread the floor for Houston. Another move worthy of consideration here is re-signing center Steven Adams, who allows the Rockets to play a two-big lineup, matching up with the Thunder duo of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Jordan Clarkson signs with Knicks They already had a set starting lineup with continuity and a pair of All-Stars who can ignite. What the Knicks didn't have was a reliable scoring option off the bench (and a coach who isn't afraid to call on reserves). Mike Brown, who isn't shy about extending the rotation, fixes the latter issue, but signing proven scorer Jordan Clarkson to a veteran minimum deal shores up the offense off the bench. Clarkson, 33, agreed to a buyout with the Jazz, making him available. The 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year, Clarkson has scored 8,045 points off the bench, which ranks 11th all-time and leads all active players. Jaylin Williams re-signs with Thunder They already won a championship with Jaylin Williams, or Jay Will — not to be confused with All-Star Jalen Williams (J-Dub). But in re-signing Jaylin Williams, OKC gets added flexibility with the 23-year-old backup forward. Williams averaged 5.9 points and 5.6 boards per game, though he played just 16.7 minutes per contest. But he recorded three triple-doubles in nine starts last season, averaging 14.7 points, 10.7 assists and 13 rebounds across those three games. Put a different way: when the Thunder need him to step up, he is more than capable. He may go on to be a key piece if the Thunder become the first repeat champs since 2018, or if they're hit by the injury bug. Sam Merrill re-signs with Cavaliers He re-signed on a four-year deal that basically went overlooked, but this move is all about replacing Ty Jerome, the Sixth Man of the Year finalist who signed with the Grizzlies. Merrill appeared in 71 regular-season games — a career high — and started three playoff games. He averaged just 7.2 points per game, but his 137 made 3-pointers ranked 12th among NBA reserves. He also posted a plus-minus of +330 off the bench, third best in the league. With more minutes at his disposal, Merrill, a member of the 2021 Bucks team that won the NBA Finals, should see a big jump in production.
