Controversy erupted following the release of the WNBA MVP voting results on Sunday when A’ja Wilson was crowned MVP. While Wilson’s win wasn’t surprising to fans, one particular vote in the breakdown raised eyebrows and sparked outrage across the sports world. Media members who cast their votes for the award were made public, and it didn’t take long for fans and journalists alike to notice something unusual—someone had given a fourth-place MVP vote to Angel Reese.
Reese, the star forward who recently made waves at LSU and gained widespread popularity for her college performances, has yet to play in the WNBA.
Despite this, she somehow appeared on one reporter’s MVP ballot. The baffling vote triggered an immediate backlash, with many questioning the legitimacy of the process and calling for accountability.
The situation escalated quickly, with prominent journalists and analysts expressing their frustration over what they saw as a blatant disregard for the integrity of the voting system. James Boyd of The Athletic was particularly vocal, stating, “Also — and this is not a shot at Angel Reese whatsoever. She has nothing to do with this — whoever used a fourth-place MVP vote on Reese should be banned from voting on league awards forever. They clearly don’t take the process seriously and can’t even pretend to be unbiased.”
Boyd’s comments reflect the general sentiment that the WNBA MVP vote should be reserved for players who are currently in the league and contributing to their teams. Angel Reese, having yet to step foot on a WNBA court, doesn’t meet those criteria. Critics viewed the vote as a distraction from the real conversation about basketball and the incredible performances happening in the league.
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Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg echoed this view, stating, “Far too often the WNBA conversation hasn’t been about basketball. And I’m not sure how anyone watching the games could have Angel Reese on an MVP ballot.” Lundberg’s comments highlight the frustration many feel about the perceived lack of professionalism in the voting process.
Lundberg went on to further criticize the decision, adding, “Not trying to start anything, but voting Angel Reese 4th for MVP is neglecting professional responsibility.” The integrity of award voting has long been a topic of discussion in sports, but this unusual vote pushed the conversation into the spotlight.
The identity of the voter remains anonymous for now, but with calls for transparency growing, many expect that the names of the media members who cast votes will eventually be revealed. When that happens, the reporter responsible for placing Reese on the ballot will likely face serious questions about the rationale behind their decision.
As of now, neither Angel Reese nor her camp has commented on the matter, and it’s worth noting that she had no involvement in the vote. However, the incident has drawn attention away from Wilson’s well-deserved MVP win and the outstanding performances of other players who were in the running.
For many, this moment is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with holding a vote for prestigious awards. Whether the vote was a mistake, a publicity stunt, or simply a misguided decision, the controversy has put a spotlight on the need for accountability and transparency in sports voting processes.
Fans, players, and journalists alike will be watching closely as the story unfolds and the explanation behind the bizarre vote for Angel Reese comes to light.
