Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh is speaking out after Angel Reese was hit with a technical foul during Sunday night’s 92-85 win over the Los Angeles Sparks — a moment that overshadowed Reese’s dominant showing on Candace Parker’s jersey retirement night.
Angel Reese, who has been labeled “elite” by Sparks coach Lynne Roberts, racked up another big game before getting called for a tech in the third quarter following a string of physical plays. The 23-year-old appeared visibly frustrated, and after the game, Marsh didn’t hold back when asked about it.
“Officiating is a tough job—we all know that,” Marsh told reporters. “But I think officials have to be objective. Passion shouldn’t be penalized.”
Marsh defended Reese’s intensity, saying it’s what makes the game exciting and entertaining. “She plays with fire. That shouldn’t be mistaken for disrespect,” he added. “We don’t want to take that emotion out of the game.”
Growing Frustration with WNBA Officiating
Reese isn’t alone in her frustration. Marsh joins a growing list of voices around the WNBA calling out officiating this season, including Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, and stars like Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum.
Azura Stevens, forward for the Sparks, echoed similar concerns ahead of the game. “The biggest issue is consistency,” she said. “Sometimes one team gets all the calls, then it flips in the next game. It’s hard to find a rhythm like that.”
Stevens emphasized that it’s not about favoritism. It’s about wanting the same standards across every court.
Furthermore, with the season heating up and tensions rising, the WNBA’s officiating will likely remain under scrutiny. Especially as high-profile players like Reese continue to push the envelope with emotion and energy.
Read More: Angel Reese Receives Punishment After Heated Exchange in Chicago Sky Game
