The 2023 NCAA women’s basketball championship game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas was a historic event that drew nearly 10 million viewers, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Louisiana State University secured its first-ever national title with a 102-85 victory over the University of Iowa, but the game is frequently defined by a single interaction between two elite competitors. In the closing moments of the fourth quarter, LSU forward Angel Reese celebrated the Tigers' imminent win by waving her hand in front of her face—a gesture popularized by wrestler John Cena as "You Can’t See Me"—while pointing to her ring finger and looking toward Iowa guard Caitlin Clark.

The image of the celebration went viral almost instantly, but the reaction was sharply divided. Many observers and media personalities criticized the 20-year-old Reese, using terms like "classless" to describe her behavior. However, this backlash ignited a widespread discussion regarding a racial double standard in sports. Just two games earlier, during Iowa’s Elite Eight victory over Louisville, Clark had performed the exact same hand gesture. At that time, her actions were largely met with praise for her confidence and competitive spirit, even earning a supportive shout-out on social media from Cena himself.

The contrast in reception became a focal point for athletes and cultural critics alike. While Reese was being scrutinized for her intensity, many pointed out that Clark had been celebrated for similar trash-talking throughout the tournament. 

Despite the outside noise, the players involved maintained a level of mutual respect. Clark later defended Reese in interviews, stating that she did not believe the LSU star should be criticized and noting that trash-talking is a natural part of high-level competition regardless of gender.