Following harsh criticism of the league’s officiating staff by Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve and others, the WNBA is imposing sanctions.
After Lynx player Napheesa Collier was hurt on a steal by Alyssa Thomas in Game 3 of Minnesota’s WNBA playoff series against the Mercury, Reeve was thrown toward the end of the game. Since the play was not called as a foul, Reeve became quite angry with the officiating staff. Following the steal, Thomas made a basket on the other end to almost guarantee Phoenix’s victory.
In her news conference, Reeve attacked the refs, calling the league’s choice to use that officiating crew “f—ing malpractice.”
For failing to “leave the court in a timely manner” after being dismissed, “aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing” an official, and making offensive remarks to spectators, she received a suspension for Minnesota’s Game 4. Without Reeve, the Mercury defeated the Lynx and went to the WNBA Finals. Due to an ankle injury sustained during the highly debated play, Collier was unable to participate in Game 4.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou said that Reeve was fined $15,000 for her behavior and remarks during Game 3. Both Fever coach Stephanie White and Aces coach Becky Hammon received $1,000 fines from the league for disparaging the officiating during this year’s playoffs in favor of the Lynx coach.
