Former NFL linebacker and popular sports analyst Emmanuel Acho faced heavy backlash following his recent comments about college basketball star Angel Reese.
Speaking after LSU lost 94-87 to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight, Reese opened up about receiving death threats and being sexualized over the past year. While most sympathized with Reese, Acho used it as an opportunity to tear into the rising athlete, coldly remarking “You can’t be the big, bad wolf but then cry like Courage the Cowardly Dog,” as his co-hosts, LeSean McCoy and James Jones agreed with several of his points.
Black women have historically been the most marginalized group in America, but I’m going to give a gender neutral and racially indifferent take on Angel Reese:
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 2, 2024
“In sports, you can’t act like the big bad wolf, then cry like courage the cowardly dog.” pic.twitter.com/aUtxZ7JHk4
“If you want to act grown, which she has; if you want to get paid like you’re grown, which you are; if you want to talk to grown folks like you’re grown, which you did … then postgame when you take an ‘L,’ you’ve just got to take it on the chin,” he continued.
Regarding the Angel Reese dialogue: thank you. pic.twitter.com/SUtjE87iaP
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 4, 2024
Acho later walked back on his comments, but by then, the damage had already been done and Black Twitter has not forgiven his “non-apology.”
make sure that apology is as loud as the disrespect. 😘
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 5, 2024
Even Reese called him out for his feeble response on X.
In this clip, Karen Hunter weighs in on Acho’s epic fallout.
