WNBA admits it was wrong with Angel Reese ejection and takes step to correct error
The WNBA has responded to outrage regarding Angel Reese’s controversial ejection Tuesday evening, rescinding one of the foul calls and adjusting her second fine in three days
The WNBA has reassessed its punitive measures against star rookie Angel Reese after her controversial ejection in Tuesday’s game against the New York Liberty.
Reese received two technical fouls in a matter of seconds, which resulted in her dismissal with 2:31 remaining in the contest. But the WNBA announced Wednesday that it had rescinded the second technical and reduced the star’s fine from $400 to $200.
“I tried to get an explanation and I did not. I don’t know at this moment what has happened,” Chicago Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon explained after the game. A number of prominent basketball players also disputed the decision, and even Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu was reportedly captured on a hot mic questioning the veracity of the decision. Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball tweeted, “Ref that threw out @Reese10Angel is weak btw. You know who you are (Keep ya money Angel I got you).”
The moment in question occurred as Reese battled for a defensive rebound and was whistled by referee Charles Watson for a reach-in foul. Reese appeared to exchange words with the official, prompting the first technical, and she received the second for a dismissive hand gesture toward Watson.
“After being called for hitting Jones across the arm during a rebound, Reese disrespectfully addresses the calling official,” lead official Maj Forsberg told a pool reporter Tuesday night. “Reese then waves off the calling official in resentment to the call and is assessed a second technical foul.”
Reese’s only public response to the incident addressed Ball’s offer to cover her now-halved league fine. The LSU grad replied on the social media platform by saying, “appreciate you gang” in a message that has since received more than 31,000 likes. It’s the second time Reese has faced a fine from the WNBA in her short professional career; she previously handed over $1,000 for failing to make a media appearance after the Sky’s bitter 71-70 loss against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever last weekend.
Reese failed to appear for the media after a close loss against Indiana (
Image:
Getty Images)
Reese and the Sky are back in action Thursday evening, traveling to the nation’s capital in a bout with Aaliyah Edwards and the Washington Mystics. Reese’s presence is once again producing special accommodations, as the Mystics are moving from their traditional home at Entertainment & Sports Arena, shared with the G-League’s Capital City Go-Go, into the Washington Wizards’ 20,000-seat Capital One Arena.
