Angel Reese not with LSU for latest game after Kim Mulkey benching as drama continues

The recent events surrounding Angel Reese, a key player for LSU’s women’s basketball team, have garnered significant attention and sparked drama both on and off the court.

Reese, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball tournament, found herself at the center of controversy following her benching during the second half of LSU’s game against Kent State, and subsequently not playing in the game against Southeastern Louisiana.

The LSU Tigers, defending national champions, faced a major setback when they were defeated by the Colorado Buffaloes, a loss that occurred just days before the benching incident.

The decision by LSU’s head coach, Kim Mulkey, to bench Reese has been described as a “coach’s decision,” with Mulkey offering limited explanation beyond stating that it was her decision to make.

This move led to a public feud between the mothers of Reese and fellow LSU player Flau’jae Johnson, which played out over social media. The nature of the feud and its exact reasons remain unclear, but it has added to the drama surrounding the team.

Despite these challenges, the team has continued to perform well on the court. In Reese’s absence, sophomore Flau’jae Johnson stepped up to lead the team with a strong performance against the Lions.

The Tigers have started their title defense strongly, securing five wins in their first six games of the season.

The unfolding drama and the reasons behind Reese’s benching and subsequent absence from the game continue to be a topic of discussion among fans and observers of women’s college basketball.

The situation highlights the complexities and pressures that can arise within competitive sports teams, especially those at the collegiate level where the spotlight is intense.