Key Highlights :
1. LSU's Angel Reese defended the gesture she aimed at Iowa Hawkeyes' Caitlin Clark near the end of the Tigers' first NCAA women's basketball national championship victory, saying "I don't take disrespect lightly."
2. Some have criticised Reese, while others have defended her actions, highlighting how there was no public outrage in response to Clark's gesture earlier in the tournament.
3. Sports journalist Jose de Jesus Ortiz called Reese's actions "classless," while former ESPN host Keith Olbermann called Reese an "idiot" for the gesture.
4. In the press conference after the victory, Reese referenced the difference in reaction she received as a result of her gesture as compared to the one Clark received. "All year, I was critiqued for who I was. I don't fit the narrative," Reese said. "I don't fit the box that y'all want me to be in. I'm too hood. I'm too ghetto. Y'all told me that all year. But when other people do it, and y'all don't say nothing. "So this is for the girls that look like me. For those that want to speak up for what they believe in. It's unapologetically you. And that's what I did it for tonight. It was bigger than me tonight. And Twitter is going to go into a rage every time. "And I'm happy. I feel like I've helped grow women's basketball this year. (...) I'm looking forward to celebrating and then next season."
5. Reese had 15 points and 10 rebounds in the 102-85 victory and won the women's March Madness' Most Outstanding Player award.
A gesture made during a college basketball championship game in the US has led to a massive uproar from fans and media.
The incident occurred during the final minutes of the game, when a member of the University of Florida’s team was seen making a “thumbs up” gesture towards the crowd. This was interpreted by some as a “thumbs down” gesture towards the opposing team, and as a result, the University of Florida was heavily criticised on social media.
The gesture has now become a symbol of racism and bigotry, with many people calling for the University of Florida to be punished for their “disrespectful” behaviour. The University of Florida has since issued an apology, but the damage has already been done, with the school now facing a wave of negative publicity.
This incident is a clear example of how social media can be used to spread hatred and division, and it’s important that we take a stand against such behaviour. We must remember that no matter how controversial or unpleasant a situation may seem, we should always strive to maintain a sense of civility and respect.
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