In an unexpected moment that has sent shockwaves through the sports and media world, Monica McNutt made a powerful statement on live TV that has everyone talking. The panel was discussing Caitlin Clark’s recent million-dollar endorsement deal when McNutt, with an unwavering confidence, shifted the focus to Angel Reese. Without missing a beat, she boldly declared, “If America could see straight — she’d be a billionaire by now.”

The statement froze the conversation for a brief moment as the panelists struggled to process McNutt’s words. This wasn’t just a comment about Reese’s talents or popularity—it was a critique of how America, and by extension the sports industry, views athletes, particularly women of color.

McNutt’s words have not only sparked a nationwide conversation about Angel Reese’s worth, but have also illuminated the deeper issues of inequality that continue to plague women’s sports. McNutt didn’t flinch. She didn’t hesitate. Instead, she leaned into the mic, fully aware of the weight her words carried. This wasn’t a throwaway comment or a casual observation. It was a statement that cut to the heart of the ongoing conversation surrounding gender and racial equity in sports.

The Question That Started It All

The discussion on the live panel had initially centered around Caitlin Clark’s remarkable success and the endorsement deals that have followed her groundbreaking season. Clark, the star of the Iowa women’s basketball team, had captivated the nation with her record-breaking performances, ultimately securing a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal that sent ripples through the sports world. As one of the most marketable athletes in college sports, her success has been widely celebrated, and rightfully so.

But McNutt quickly shifted the focus, challenging the panel—and the public—to examine why it is that some athletes, particularly those like Angel Reese, have not received the same level of recognition and financial reward despite their comparable, if not greater, talents and achievements.

“It’s not just about the money,” McNutt continued, “It’s about what this represents. If America really saw Angel Reese for what she is, she’d be worth a billion, not just a million.”

Angel Reese: The Athlete America Has Yet to Fully See

The comments about Angel Reese were not just about a missed endorsement deal. They were a call to action for America to rethink how it values athletes, especially those who don’t fit the traditional mold. Reese, who led LSU to a national championship victory and was one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season, has been a lightning rod for discussion both on and off the court. Her outspoken persona, fierce competitive drive, and unapologetic self-expression have made her a star, but they have also made her a target of criticism.

Reese’s success on the court speaks for itself. She was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and is widely considered one of the top players in women’s college basketball. But despite her talent, Reese has faced backlash for her personality and the way she chooses to express herself, particularly when it comes to her interactions with the media and her critics.

For many, Reese’s behavior on the court—most notably her intense celebrations and moments of trash talk—is seen as unprofessional, or worse, disrespectful. But McNutt’s comments challenge this perception. She argues that Reese’s persona, her raw authenticity, and her unapologetic self-confidence are precisely what make her a star. America has yet to fully understand Reese, McNutt says, and if it did, she would be one of the most marketable athletes in the world.

“She’s not just a basketball player. She’s a cultural icon waiting to happen,” McNutt stated. “She has the talent, the presence, and the power to change the game, but America has yet to see her in the way she deserves.”

The Gender and Racial Dimensions of McNutt’s Statement

McNutt’s remarks also highlight the intersection of gender and race in sports. While Clark’s success has been widely embraced, Reese’s journey has been complicated by the way society views athletes of color, particularly women of color. McNutt’s words underscore the reality that Reese’s unapologetic persona—while refreshing and empowering to many—is seen as abrasive or controversial to others, particularly when compared to the more polished image of athletes like Caitlin Clark.

This disparity is not just limited to basketball. It exists across all sports and industries, where women of color are often held to different standards than their white counterparts. Reese’s talents are undeniable, but it is clear that her path to the top has been more fraught with obstacles and public scrutiny than that of others in her field.

“If America could see straight,” McNutt’s statement suggests, “they would see Angel Reese for what she truly is: one of the most marketable, talented, and impactful athletes in the world.”

A Call for Change

McNutt’s words are not just a critique of the sports industry’s treatment of women of color—they are a call to action. They challenge the sports world, the media, and fans to rethink how athletes, particularly women, are valued and compensated. McNutt is calling for a world where athletes like Angel Reese are celebrated for their achievements, not diminished by their personas.

While Caitlin Clark’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to become one of the best, McNutt’s comments serve as a reminder that athletes like Angel Reese deserve the same recognition and financial rewards. It’s not just about the endorsement deals; it’s about the message that is sent when we fail to acknowledge the true value of athletes who don’t fit the typical mold.

“It’s about understanding that we need to broaden our perception of what greatness looks like,” McNutt said in the aftermath of her statement. “It’s about recognizing the full humanity of athletes, especially women of color, and celebrating them for all they bring to the table.”

The Bigger Picture

Monica McNutt’s bold statement has sparked much-needed dialogue about how athletes, particularly women of color, are perceived and valued in the sports world. Her words serve as both a critique and a challenge to the status quo, urging everyone to look beyond the surface and truly see the talent and potential of athletes like Angel Reese.

While the panel may have frozen in the moment, McNutt’s message was clear: It’s time for America to see Angel Reese for who she truly is—an athlete worthy of the recognition, endorsements, and, yes, the billion-dollar contracts that are long overdue.

In the end, McNutt’s comments weren’t just about money—they were about visibility, equality, and fairness. And if America takes the time to truly see Angel Reese, it may just realize that her worth extends far beyond what the current system is willing to acknowledge.