Angel Reese calls first lady Jill Biden’s suggestion of inviting both LSU and Iowa to White House ‘A JOKE’

(CNN) LSU star Angel Reese called first lady Jill Biden’s suggestion that they could invite both the LSU and Iowa women’s basketball teams to the White House a “joke.”

Speaking Monday, Biden praised both teams for their performance in Sunday’s national championship game, specifically noting Iowa’s athleticism.

“Last night I attended the NCAA women’s basketball championship,” Biden said, speaking at an event at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

“So I know we’re going to have the champions come to the White House, we always do. So we’re hoping LSU is going to come, but, you know, I’ll tell Joe [Biden] I think Iowa should come, too, because they played such a good game.”

It is traditional for the national champions to be invited to the White House, but not the runners-up. Reese posted a link to the story that included Biden’s comments, calling it “A JOKE” along with three laughing emojis on the floor.

In a comment on an Instagram post that included Reese’s tweet, the newly crowned NCAA champion said, “NO COMING. period.”

The 20-year-old Reese played a key role in the Tigers’ 102-85 victory over the Hawkeyes to win the first national title in program history on Sunday. She was named the NCAA Women’s Tournament Most Outstanding Player as a result of her standout performances.

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith echoed Reese’s sentiment, responding to her tweet, saying, “I mean absolutely zero disrespect to the First Lady, but you are 1000% right.

Jill Biden chats with guests during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship.

“That’s a bad suggestion. Runners up don’t get invited to the White House. Why are we trying to change that now? I totally agree with you, Angel.”

Rep. Troy Carter, a Democrat from Louisiana, attended, agreeing with Reese.

“To the most honorable (President Biden) and (First Lady Biden),” Carter said. “LSU has won its first NCAA women’s basketball championship title with a record of 102-85.

“No disrespect to the outstanding players on the Iowa women’s team… they didn’t win!

“LSU Women’s Basketball is the undisputed winner of the 2023 NCAA Championship and should savor this historic victory in a special way.”

Reese’s teammate Alexis Morris asked if they could celebrate somewhere else, specifically at the home of a former first lady. “Michelle OBAMA can we (LSU NATIONAL CHAMPIONS) come celebrate our win at your house?” Reese responded to Morris’ tweet saying, “THIS IS THE Tweet.”

After LSU’s win Sunday, coach Kim Mulkey said he would go to the White House if the team was invited.

“I’m so ghetto”

Sunday’s national championship drew a record average of 9.9 million viewers, according to sports broadcaster ESPN. The game, which peaked at 12.6 million viewers, was the most-watched NCAA Division I women’s basketball game across all networks.

Reese has been in the headlines since the LSU win, especially as she highlighted the double standard in the reaction to her gesture to Iowa guard Caitlin Clark.

Reese could be seen approaching Clark before waving her open hand in front of her face – popularized by WWE star John Cena to mean ‘you can’t see me’ – before pointing ring finger in a gesture that some interpret as a reference. in the place where her newly won championship ring can sit.

Clark made a similar gesture to another player earlier in the tournament.

The gesture sparked a lot of debate, especially on social networks. Some criticized Reese, while others defended her actions, noting that there was no public outrage in response to Clark’s gesture earlier in the tournament.

In the post-victory press conference, Reese referred to the difference in the reaction she received as a result of her gesture compared to what Clark received.

“All year, I was criticized for who I was. I didn’t fit the narrative,” Reese said. “I don’t fit the box you all want me to be in. I’m too hood. I’m too ghetto. You’ve been telling me that all year. But when other people do, and you all don’t say anything.

“So this is for girls who look like me. For those who want to speak up for what they believe in. You are unapologetically you. And that’s what I did tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to be mad every time .”