Sky coach defends Angel Reese’s decision to attend Met Gala amid criticism for missing practice

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese is under fire after missing team practice on Monday to attend the 2025 Met Gala in New York, where she served as a member of the host committee. With a preseason game against the Minnesota Lynx scheduled for Tuesday, critics questioned her decision to prioritize a high-profile fashion event over preparing with her team.Social media reactions were swift and divided. Many fans expressed disappointment, especially as the 22-year-old continues to face comparisons to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark following their performances against Brazil’s national team.“Still can’t make a layup or draw fans to her games. Pathetic!” one critic posted.Another wrote, “Angel Reese needs to skip that event and work on her layups.”Other comments included:“Missing practice for a party?”“Could be working on balance and footwork but this is more importanter!”“Why Angel Reese at the MET and not Wisdom??? Smh.”“She was whining about not having enough money, I’m sure she could’ve paid her rent for as much as it cost to go to that.”Despite the backlash, many fans came to Reese’s defense, praising her appearance and what it represents.“FACE OF THE LEAGUE,” one supporter posted.Another wrote, “WNBA ROYALTY ICON! TRENDSETTER!!”Some emphasized the broader importance of her appearance, saying it showed that athletes, especially women in the WNBA, can excel both on the court and in cultural spaces like fashion and entertainment.Reese attended the Met Gala last year as well, playing against the New York Liberty less than 24 hours later. This year, despite her role as part of the Met Gala host committee, she is still expected to play in the Sky's second preseason game on Tuesday. During the Sky’s media availability on Monday, head coach James Wade spoke positively about Reese’s decision to attend the event. "She’s handled it great," Wade said. "She puts in a ton of work in the offseason and during the season. She communicated with her teammates that she’ll be there. We, as an organization, are in support of everyone on and off the court.”Reese and the Sky are set to face the Lynx in their preseason matchup on Tuesday. While the controversy stirred debate, it also highlighted the growing visibility and crossover appeal of WNBA stars in mainstream media.