Sports are synonymous with many things, and one undeniable reality is that trash talking is part of the game.
The verbiage was on full display Sunday afternoon in front of a record number of spectators as the national champions were crowned at women’s college basketball with 9.9 million people tuning in to watch LSU defeat Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese (10) gestures toward Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the national championship game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on April 2, 2023 . (Kevin Jairaj/USA Today Sports)
As the clock ticked down on LSU’s 102-85 victory, Tigers forward Angel Reese, the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, pointed her finger and made the «can’t you see me» gesture at Clark.
And while it sparked a wave of conversation about sportsmanship and double standards, giving pundits a full day of content as women’s basketball took center stage, the best place to look for answers is with those who play the game.
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«I love it,» chicago bulls guard Patrick Beverley told Fox News Digital when asked what he thought of Reese’s trash talk with Clark.
«Basketball was built to be a competitive sport. It doesn’t matter how competitive it is, on what stage or who is competitive,» Beverley said. «Guys can do it and it’s praised. But a young lady does it and it’s frowned upon. I don’t agree with that. I think a hooper is a hooper. You don’t put the gender, you don’t.» put race».
LSU Lady Tigers’ Angel Reese (10) reacts towards Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark (22) during the fourth quarter of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Championship game at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Beverley knows a thing or two about trash talking. He is recognized as one of the biggest irritants in the NBA.
Last week, the Beverley Bulls were paired up with the Los Angeles Lakers, The former Beverley team and 11-year pro hit LeBron James with the «too small» gesture after sinking a floater over the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.
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The next game, Lakers guard Austin Reeves gestured back at Beverley, which the Chicago Bulls guard says is a good thing for the game.
«I was capable of hit lebron with the ‘too small’. Austin Reaves came back and hit me with the ‘too small,'» Beverley said. «He helps build the brand. It helps build competition.»
Chicago Bulls’ Patrick Beverley (21) touches the Los Angeles Lakers court as he celebrates after scoring a basket against Lakers’ LeBron James (6) in the final minute of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 26, 2023 , in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Beverley said he would head into next season wanting to get Reaves back, which only makes the NBA product better.
«That helps the competition, which helps the game… I think it’s all part of the game,» he added. «And I enjoy it.»
The trash talk exchange came just days after Beverley stirred the pot ahead of her return to Los Angeles.
Beverley’s post was timely and he’s glad he got to have some fun. His association with Charmin Soft & Strong shows the «softer side» of him.
«When it comes to my relationship with my friends, obviously my relationships with my family, the relationships I have with my girlfriend, my dogs, it’s a softer side. I don’t think being strong is the only element. I think you can have both. Beverly said. «And I’m a guy who has both. For the Charmin brand and I to get together and kind of play a game…Obviously, the context, the way it was taken in Los Angeles was pretty funny. But you appreciate it.» It’s about being competitive, it’s about having fun.
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«I’m excited to partner with the brand and can’t wait to see where the future takes us.»
While Beverley had no problem with Reese giving Clark a dose of his own medicine (Clark made the «can’t you see me» gesture in the Elite 8 against Louisville), she disagreed with LSU’s view on the Iowa’s defense against another SEC foe in the Final. four
LSU entered Sunday’s game against Iowa with a chip on his shoulder, unhappy with Iowa’s defensive approach against South Carolina in the semifinals.
Caitlin Clark (22) of the Iowa Hawkeyes dribbles against Raven Johnson (25) of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the third quarter of the 2023 NCAA Tournament Final Four at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Hawkeyes defeated the Gamecocks by going down regularly The South Carolina Shooterschallenging them to take jumpers, and the Gamecocks shot just 4-for-20 from beyond the 3-point line.
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While this defensive approach irritated some LSU players, who called it «disrespectful,» Beverley says the end result justifies the approach.
«I think it’s about winning. It’s about winning and what gives you the best chance of winning without cheating or disrespecting the game,» Beverley told Fox News Digital. «I think you have to. If you don’t win, you get fired. You win, you succeed.»
«So if someone can’t shoot, you don’t want to guard someone who can’t shoot. They do that in the NBA. They leave me open a bunch of times. Russell Westbrook is open a bunch of times. It’s all part of the game. You’re trying to win a game. A game.
«He could be one of the best shooters that goes cold,» he continued. «We’re going to keep letting him shoot. That’s the game today. It’s all about winning basketball. Winning and losing.»
Patrick Beverley of the Chicago Bulls reacts after scoring a 3-point basket against the Miami Heat during the first half at the United Center on March 18, 2023 in Chicago. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Beverley’s tough, competitive approach has taken him all over the world. He has played abroad and with five different NBA teams.
Now with the Bulls, Beverley is happy to be back in his hometown of Chicago as the Bulls’ running back for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament.
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«I’m embracing the city. The city is embracing me,» Beverley told Fox News Digital. «Obviously, you want to pay the city back with a bunch of wins, and that’s what we’re trying to do now. It’s been exciting, it’s been fun, it’s been fresh and I can’t wait to see what happens.» what the future holds.»