Angel Reese joined IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson this week, saying she'd rather pay WNBA media fines than endure contentious press interactions as she starts fresh with the Atlanta Dream.
The two-time WNBA All-Star appeared on the former First Lady's podcast, expaining her strategy for managing media obligations following her blockbuster trade from the Chicago Sky earlier this month.
"The media has not always been great for me. And I'll take a fine. I'll catch a fine, especially in a WNBA," Reese said. "I'll have a fine before I have to go to media and feel like my back is against the wall."
Reese criticized the Sky's roster construction in a mid-season Chicago Tribune interview, prompting the franchise to suspend her. She now enters Atlanta determined to avoid similar controversies — even if it means accepting WNBA media fines.
The forward skipped mandatory media exit interviews following the 2025 season. She later doubled down on her stance via Unapologetically Angel, explaining she'd accept penalties over seeing her comments misrepresented.
"I'd rather take the fine sometimes rather than talking to the media because [what I say] always gets flipped," Reese said.
Craig Robinson, Obama's brother and IMO co-host, compared sports journalism to reality television. He then praised how the WNBA star has handled scrutiny.
"Sports is like reality TV. The media wants to manufacture some stuff," Robinson said. "I just want you to know that I noticed how you've handled yourself. And it has been absolutely with aplomb."
The former LSU standout faced intense criticism and racially charged commentary throughout her career, particularly surrounding her relationship with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
"I appreciate you guys for making this a safe space for me because the media has not always been great for me," she added.
