A heated moment in the WNBA has sparked widespread discussion after rookie player Kate Martin publicly called for disciplinary action following an alleged incident involving Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark during a recent game.

According to Martin, Angel Reese struck Caitlin Clark in the head in what she described as an unsportsmanlike act. The play, which went unpenalized in real time, quickly went viral on social media, prompting passionate reactions from fans and players alike.

Speaking after the game, Martin urged the WNBA’s organizing committee to review the footage using VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology and consider disciplinary measures.

Valkyries' Kate Martin went from Caitlin Clark sidekick to WNBA celeb

“We have to eliminate the dirty elements if we want to keep the game clean,” Martin stated firmly. Her comments were met with both support and criticism, as debate swirled around whether the contact in question was intentional or simply part of the physical nature of professional basketball.

The WNBA has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident, but insiders suggest the league may review the play in accordance with standard post-game protocols.

This situation comes at a time when tensions are high and the league is experiencing increased visibility, especially surrounding rising stars like Clark, Reese, and Martin. As the conversation continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see how the WNBA will respond—and what it could mean for the culture of accountability and sportsmanship within the league.

Kate Martin’s Strong Reaction to Angel Reese Drama Turns Heads

Rising second-year WNBA players Kate Martin and Angel Reese are both participating in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled league — a new opportunity for women’s professional basketball players to earn money and hone their craft during the WNBA offseason.

Back in January, Martin’s Laces BC team matched up against Reese and the Roses. At one point during the 3v3 contest, Martin fouled Reese on a fast-break layup and sent her crashing to the floor.

Given the nature of their college basketball rivalry, this clip went viral on social media. Martin, a former Iowa teammate of Caitlin Clark, famously matched up against Reese and the LSU Tigers in the 2022-23 national championship game.

After this foul, a social media user on Instagram falsely reported that Reese wanted Martin kicked out of the Unrivaled league over this foul incident.

Martin directly addressed this false report with a strong message.

“Hey man, that post about Angel wanting me out of Unrivaled is completely untrue,” Martin wrote in a direct message to the Instagram user. “I try to stay out of social media BS but I couldn’t let that one slide. I don’t like misinformation like that out there.”

Fans flooded social media with reactions to this classy response from Martin.

“And this is why we love Kate!” one wrote.

“People may wonder why she’s so well liked. THIS. She’s just a genuinely good person. Can’t wait to see her with the Valkyries this summer,” another said.

“And THIS IS WHY WE LOVE KATE!!! Set the record straight IMMEDIATELY!!! Yall won’t use her name for your BS,” another added.

After a solid rookie season with the Las Vegas Aces, Martin was one of the 11 players picked up by the Golden State Valkyries in December’s expansion draft. The Valkyries will begin their 2025 WNBA season with a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16.

Angel Reese

Dec 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese attends a NBA game between the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic at Kia Center.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Reese and the Chicago Sky will tipoff their year with a matchup against Clark and the rival Indiana Fever on May 17.