Claressa Shields Questions Angel Reese Winning BET Award Over Her: “I Just Thought Accolades Mattered”

Boxer Claressa Shields is wondering how Angel Reese beat her out for Sportswoman Of The Year at the 2025 BET Awards, taking to X Tuesday (June 10) to share her surprise at losing to the WNBA star.

“Still don’t know how I didn’t win the Sportswoman of the Year for the @BETAwards,” Shields began,
“but Congrats to Angel Reese and all the other Nominees [shrug emoji] I just thought accolades mattered.”

Followers of the Olympian were quick to question her statement, with one replying in defense of the Chicago Sky player, “You a got [lot] ms shields but reese has accolades too.” Shields went on to respond, “Yes she does but who has more accolades…. More success in their field. Please use google before responding.”

“It goes year by year not an overall award,” the account replied, “please read up on the award before you complain about it.”

After receiving more pushback, Shields followed up with, “Ain’t nobody saying Angel Reese don’t have accolades or she not good…. I’m saying I thought the person with “THE MOST” accolades & accomplishments would win the Award. I’m team Angel Reese!”

Reese has yet to address Shields’ thoughts on who truly deserves the recognition.

Reese and Shields were both up against fellow athletes Dawn Staley, A’ja Wilson, Sha’Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, Flau’jae Johnson, Coco Gauff, and JuJu Watkins, with Reese going home the victor. On the men’s side, Sportsman Of The Year nominees included Aaron Judge, Anthony Edwards, Deion Sanders, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Saquon Barkley, Stephen Curry and Jalen Hurts, with the Philadelphia Eagle taking home the prize.

Going home empty handed aside, Shields seemed to enjoy her night out at the awards ceremony with boyfriend, Papoose. “Fortunate For All My Blessings [trophy emoji] For My First BET Nomination, I came how a Champion Should. We Enjoyed the Full @Betawards @bet Experience!,” she captured a carousel of snaps of herself and the Brooklyn rapper. Check out the images below.