(CNN) First lady Jill Biden appeared to reject suggestions that the White House might invite the LSU and Iowa women’s basketball teams after Tigers star Angel Reese called it “A JOKE” on Monday.
Speaking Monday, Biden congratulated both teams on their performance in Sunday’s national championship game, as well as specifically noting Iowa’s sportsmanship.
“I attended the NCAA women’s basketball championship last night,” Biden said, while speaking at an event at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
“So I know the champions will come to the White House, we always do. So, we expect LSU to come, but, you know, I’m going to tell Joe (Biden) that 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 tweeted a link to the story that included Biden’s comments, calling it “A JOKE” along with three laughing emojis rolling across the floor.
In a comment on an Instagram mail of ‘The Shade Room’ which included Reese’s tweet, the recently crowned NCAA champion said, “WE DID NOT MAKE IT. Period.”
The first lady’s press secretary, Vanessa Valdivia, sought to clarify Biden’s comments Tuesday, saying in a cheep that they “were intended to applaud the historic game and all the female athletes. She looks forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers in their championship win at the White House.”
Reese, 20, played a key role in the Tigers’ 102-85 win 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 outstanding performances.
Given Valdivia’s clarification, ESPN presenter Stephen A.. Smith echoed Reese’s sentiment, responding to her tweet by saying: “I mean absolutely zero disrespect to the First Lady, but you’re 1000% right.
Jill Biden speaks to guests during the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship.
“That’s a bad suggestion. Finalists aren’t invited to the White House. Why are we trying to change it now? I completely agree with you, Angel.”
Rep. Troy Carter, a Louisiana Democrat, weighed in and agreed with Reese.
“To the most honorable (President Biden) and (First Lady Biden),” Carter said. “LSU won its first NCAA women’s basketball championship title with a record score 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 enjoy this historic victory in a singular 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 victory at your house?” Reese responded to Morris’s tweet by saying, “THAT’S THE TWEET.”
After LSU’s win on Sunday, head coach Kim Mulkey said she would go to the White House if the team was invited.
‘I’m too 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 college basketball game on record across all networks.
Reese has been in the headlines after LSU’s win, particularly when he called double standards in reaction to his gesture toward Iowa guard Caitlin Clark.
Reese could be seen approaching Clark before waving her open hand in front of his face, popularized by WWE star John Cena to say “can’t you see me”, before pointing her ring finger in a gesture that some interpreted as an reference. to the place where his newly acquired championship ring might be.
Clark made a similar gesture to another player earlier in the tournament.
The gesture generated much debate, especially on social media. Some criticized Reese, while others defended her actions, noting that there was no public outrage in response to Clark’s gesture at the start of the tournament.
In the post-victory press conference, Reese referenced the difference in reaction she received as a result of her gesture compared to what Clark received.
“All year long, I was criticized for who I was. I didn’t fit the narrative,” Reese said. “I don’t fit the box that everyone wants me to be in. I’m too much of a dick. I’m too ghetto. I’ve been told that all year. But when other people do, and you don’t say anything
“So this is for the girls who look like me. For the ones who want to speak up for what they believe in. Unapologetically, it’s you. And that’s why I did it tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to get mad every time.”
