Angel Reese speaks out as GPA suspension rumor at LSU women's basketball doesn't add up
In a tweet, she appeared to dispute claims that she had been suspended for a poor GPA, which several American publications had picked up. Reese wrote on her X account, "Don't believe everything you read." The NCAA handbook says her absence is not related to her GPA.
The NCAA specifies that "an institution shall not permit a student-athlete to represent it in intercollegiate athletics competition." Reese played the first half of last week's Kent State game before getting benched.
Reese, who missed Friday's game against Southeastern Louisiana, uploaded an Instagram photo of an LSU basketball court on Saturday night. If taken recently, the image would indicate Reese practiced on campus. That doesn't make sense if she doesn't match GPA requirements.
The NCAA says "a student-athlete who is a non-qualifier and who, therefore, is not eligible for practice, may not attend any practice sessions in any capacity, nor may the student-athlete attend any meeting characterized as practice."
LSU may have decided Reese's grades didn't satisfy its standards outside of NCAA guidelines, but it would have been weird to do so mid-game. Additionally, the Tigers have traditionally held their athletes to NCAA standards.
Kim Mulkey, Reese's coach, hasn't addressed the forward's absence, sparking conjecture. "You want me to explain why [she wasn't here]?" Mulkey stated Friday night. Angel was clearly not in uniform. This basketball squad has Angel, so we expect to see her soon.