In a recent WNBA game, Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese was ejected after receiving two technical fouls in the fourth quarter during a game against the New York Liberty, which ended in an 88-75 loss for the Sky. The technical fouls were issued by official Charles Watson after Reese reacted to her fifth personal foul of the game with comments and a dismissive wave of her hand.
These WNBA players hatin' on Caitlin Clark and pretending like they not hatin' is hilarious.
Thank you Angel Reese for proving our point. It's cause she's white and her skills have gained her the attention you never got. pic.twitter.com/GsgSBKknJu
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) June 5, 2024
Lead official Maj Forsberg later explained that Reese’s ejection was due to her “disrespectfully addressing” an official and her dismissive gesture. Despite her early exit, Reese had a notable performance with 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes.
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon and teammate Marina Mabrey both commented on the incident, emphasizing the need for composure and understanding how to interact with referees in the league. This theme of maintaining composure was echoed in the Sky’s recent gameplay, highlighted by another incident involving Sky guard Chennedy Carter and Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, leading to fines and a flagrant foul adjustment.
These are two videos.
One shows Caitlan Clark being targeted for an unprovoked attack, likely because she is white and a better player than everyone in the WNBA
The other shows Angel Reese congratulating her hooligan teammate for doing it. pic.twitter.com/dUuV9gIJpw
— Carmine Sabia (@CarmineSabia) June 1, 2024
The ejection and subsequent reaction drew attention from other athletes, including Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball, who attended the game and voiced his support for Reese on social media, even offering to pay her $400 fine for the technical fouls. This support underscored the camaraderie and backing Reese has within the sports community.
Angel Reese has been ejected from tonight’s gamepic.twitter.com/4XSjQu1UUy
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 5, 2024
The game itself saw a competitive first three quarters with the Sky leading by one point entering the final period. However, the Sky struggled in the fourth quarter, being outscored 23-9 by the Liberty, with Breanna Stewart of the Liberty scoring 33 points. The game highlighted not only the on-court challenges but also the behavioral expectations and dynamics between players and officials in professional sports.
Major Points
- Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for disputing an official’s call during a game against the New York Liberty.
- The ejection occurred in the fourth quarter after Reese was called for her fifth personal foul and responded by verbally addressing and gesturing dismissively towards the official, Charles Watson.
- Lead official Maj Forsberg explained that the technicals were due to Reese disrespectfully addressing the official and waving her hand in dismissal.
- The incident highlighted ongoing discussions about player composure and interactions with referees, with Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon and teammate Marina Mabrey commenting on the need for professionalism.
- Despite the disruption, the game concluded with the Liberty outscoring the Sky 23-9 in the fourth quarter, leading to an 88-75 victory for the Liberty.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News