Angel Reese delivered a monster performance Sunday in Los Angeles, but her postgame comments may come at a cost. The Chicago Sky star is expected to be fined after openly criticizing officiating during her team’s 92-85 win over the Los Angeles Sparks.
Reese dominated with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists, continuing her standout rookie campaign. However, the real headlines came after a pair of non-calls that left her visibly frustrated. After heavy contact went unwhistled late in the game, Reese confronted a referee, earning her fifth technical foul of the season. That means a $400 fine could be on the way, per WNBA rules.
Angel Reese and WNBA Stars Are Speaking Out
Reese isn’t alone in her frustration. A growing number of players and coaches have raised red flags about officiating inconsistencies across the league. Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White has been vocal all season, saying officials need to “get control” of games. Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx also didn’t hold back, calling foul calls “inconsistent” and adding bluntly, “I think it’s getting worse.”
Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon hasn’t spoken directly on Reese’s tech. But voices across the WNBA, including Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, are urging the league to acknowledge the problem.
“There’s more eyes on the game,” Reeve said. “Until the league admits they have a problem, nothing’s changing.”
Commissioner Responds Amid Rising Tensions
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in response to mounting scrutiny, recently commented on the situation. “There’s always room for growth and improvement in officiating,” she said, but also noted, “No winning team ever complains about officiating; no losing team ever doesn’t.”
With the WNBA growing in visibility and viewership, calls for officiating reform are only getting louder. And if players like Angel Reese continue to be fined for voicing frustrations, that conversation won’t die down anytime soon.
Read More: Angel Reese Faces Possible Fine After Heated Moment in Sky vs. Sun Game
