Chicago Sky rookie forward Angel Reese was ejected in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Liberty after receiving her second technical foul. In 24 minutes of play, Reese scored 13 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and recorded her first career block. Her ejection left her teammates and head coach Teresa Weatherspoon confused as they did not receive an explanation for the incident from the officials. Lead official Maj Forsberg later explained that Reese received her technical fouls for disrespectfully addressing him and waving her hand in dismissal.
Weatherspoon expressed her frustration at not receiving an explanation for Reese’s ejection, stating that she was still unsure of what had happened. Sky star Marina Mabrey added that Reese received the technical fouls for saying something to the referee, indicating the importance of maintaining composure and understanding how referees react to different situations. Reese had also been fined for skipping a postgame interview after a previous game against the Indiana Fever, showing a pattern of behavior that may be concerning for the young player’s career.
In the game against the New York Liberty, the Chicago Sky faced a challenging opponent as the Liberty opened with a 21-6 run. Although Chicago fought back to come within one point at halftime, New York eventually pulled away with a 15-2 run. The Liberty’s Breanna Stewart had an impressive performance, scoring 33 points and grabbing 14 rebounds to secure the victory. Despite the loss, the Sky players and coaching staff will need to address discipline and composure moving forward to avoid similar incidents in future games.
Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball offered to pay Angel Reese’s fine for the ejection, showing support for the young player despite the disciplinary actions she faced. Reese expressed her appreciation for Ball’s gesture, indicating a strong sense of camaraderie among athletes across different teams. The incident highlights the importance of composure and professionalism in high-pressure situations in professional sports, as well as the need for young players to learn and adapt to the expectations of referees and league officials.
The WNBA community reacted to Reese’s ejection with mixed responses, with some questioning the officiating and others emphasizing the need for players to maintain composure on the court. As a rookie, Reese will likely face challenges and setbacks as she navigates her professional basketball career, but the support of her teammates, coaches, and fellow athletes will be crucial in helping her learn and grow from these experiences. Moving forward, Reese and the Chicago Sky will need to address any recurring disciplinary issues to ensure a successful season and continued development for the young forward.
