“I just thought accolades mattered” - Claressa Shields' speaks out as Angel Reese wins BET sportswoman of the year over her

After losing to Angel Reese for the 2025 BET Sportswoman of the Year, Claressa Shields took to social media to speak on the matter. The award, which sparked controversy, was given out during the annual ceremony held on June 9, which celebrated black women in sports. To many, including Claressa, it was a surprise that Reese added this award to her growing resume off and on the court.

As soon as the news broke, Claressa Shields took to social media to vent her frustration and confusion, tweeting:

“Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the BET Awards, but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other nominees. I just thought accolades mattered.”

Her reaction on X got mixed reactions, sparking a debate on fairness, recognition, and the real meaning behind “Sportswoman of the Year.”

Although a lot of fans embraced Shields’s outburst, others accused her of being petty.

“Girl don’t get on here complaining… Just delete the tweet say congratulations and keep it moving,” one user commented.

Shields later explained that her remarks were intended to spotlight her own expectations regarding the evaluation of the award, not Reese’s achievements.

Claressa Shields clarifies support for Reese

In another tweet, Shields reiterated praise for Reese, saying:

“Ain’t nobody saying Angel Reese don’t have accolades or she not good…. I’m saying I thought the person with ‘THE MOST’ accolades & accomplishments would win the Award. I’m team Angel Reese!”

She explained that her anger came from being ‘shocked’ based on everything she’s done in the sport of boxing.

Responding to the outrage more head-on, Claressa Shields added:

“I’m not joining in on any hate train when it comes to Angel Reese, I have mad respect for her and all the other female athletes that excel in their sport. As for my earlier comments I am allowed to express my feelings… It’s ok to be a competitor.”

The accomplished athlete, who has not lost a fight in her career and is one of the most honored women boxers globally, took that opportunity to campaign for equity in the recognition of sporting talent beyond the confines of traditional sports boundaries.

A larger conversation on recognition in women’s sports

The debate established by Claressa Shields’ response has sparked yet another inquiry into how women of color athletes, in particular, are recognized in awards ceremonies.

While awards and records continue to be essential indicators of success in sports, other non-sporting factors such as culture, social impact, public recognition, and visibility are more frequently considered in making award decisions. Angel Reese, who is referred to as “Bayou Barbie,” has received considerable attention both during and after the NCAA for transforming the perception and visibility of women’s basketball.

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For Claressa Shields, having fought and won numerous championships in boxing, the moment at the BET Awards was not an issue of being overlooked but rather how success is quantified.

Claressa Shields spoke openly, and this has caused conversations over the metrics, regard, and symmetry. More and more, athletes are standing up to challenge the authority, which brings new meaning to the word status, subjecting instances such as these to help transform the reality of athletics as well as the acknowledgment of culture.

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