has shut down rumors of bad blood between her and LSU star .
Clark, 21, whose 191 points throughout the 2023 March Madness games set a new record in the NCAA tournament, defended her opponent on Tuesday.
"I don't think Angel should be criticized at all," Clark said. "No matter which way it goes, she should never be criticized for what she did," the Iowa star said after Reese, 20, was heavily criticized for taunting during Sunday's title game, which LSU ultimately won 102-85.
Clark continued, "I think everybody knew there was gonna be a little trash talk in the entire tournament," Clark explained. "It's not just me and Angel."
Clark, despite delivering a tearful postgame interview on Sunday, told ESPN that the LSU Tigers earned their NCAA Championship over her team. "LSU deserved it, they played so well, and like I said, I'm a big fan of hers," Clark said of Reese.
The Iowa star's defense of Reese comes amid a clear discrepancy in reactions to Reese and Clark's taunts.
The online reaction to both athletes exposed the racist double standards that the sport continues to be plagued by, particularly when online critics get involved.
On several occasions during the tournament, Clark was praised for appearing to taunt her opponents on the court.
On Friday, called "Caitlin Clark: The Queen of Clap Backs" which highlighted the Iowa star's trash talk, including when she told a Louisville player, "You're down 15 points, shut up," in an earlier round of the competition.
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