In a sports world where greatness is measured in gold medals, world titles, and trailblazing achievements, the name never heard of demands to be spoken of alongside those of sports legends. But for all her accomplishments and prominence in combat sports, the self-proclaimed GWOAT (Greatest Woman Of All Time) was slighted earlier this year when she wasn’t invited to this year’s BET Awards, according to the Philadelphia native.
At the 2025 BET Awards, Shields would be nominated for the luminous Sportswoman of the Year award, whose field included A’ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, Dawn Staley, Flau’jae Johnson, JuJu Watkins, Sha’Carri Richardson, Simone Biles, and eventual winner Angel Reese. The competition was intense, with many accomplished players in a single bracket. But Shields did not hold back with her regret.
The Flint native said she has nothing against Baltimore’s Angel Reese and respects Reese’s quick ascension, but she didn’t mince words when addressing what many people are wrestling with now. And in a way, Shields has already proven to be a force. An Olympic gold medalist, multi-weight world boxing champion, and emerging UFC star, she refuses to accept limitations or adhere to the norm in male-dominated athletes. But despite being a “First Woman” for the third time, the ET audience’s vote tilted in favor of Reese.
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Reese’s C.V. is a mannequin of accomplishment. Her influence has been undeniable, from almost leading the league in total rebounds in her rookie WNBA season to becoming the first player ever to have a 20-point/20-rebound game in this league’s relatively short history. She also helped her team, Rose BC, become the first-ever Unrivaled League Champions and finished the season with Defensive Player of the Year accolades. However, Shields’ complaint highlights a larger issue in the place and visibility of women in combat sports. Basketball stars like Reese are savoring mainstream attention, partnership deals, and sponsorships, while athletes like Shields are toiling in relative obscurity despite their status as world-class athletes.
From her perspective, this is about a lot more than a trophy. It is about recognizing a career whose only foundation has been grit, perseverance, and inarguable greatness. BET has a platform that reaches our community, and they must highlight all sports, not just what’s popular. Still, Shields kept things classy by reaffirming her appreciation for all the nominees and saying she hopes to see a broader range of diverse female athletes given more credit in the future.
The conversation goes on even as the dust settles. Was this just a story of two great athletes vying for attention? Or is Shields’ criticism pushing institutions to reconsider how they measure and recognize excellence in sports across various arenas? Claressa Shields will not back down. Whether or not she gets to clutch a BET trophy, her impact has been cast in sweat, skill, and a type of unapologetic greatness that requires no statue to be seen.
