In a dramatic turn of events during the Chicago Sky’s 88-75 loss to the New York Liberty, Angel Reese, the seventh overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, faced her first career ejection. The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter as Reese battled Jonquel Jones for a rebound. After being called for her fifth foul, Reese voiced her frustration to the referee, resulting in a technical foul. As she walked away, she waved dismissively, which led to a second technical and her subsequent ejection.
Crew Chief’s Explanation
Maj Forsberg, the crew chief, provided clarity on the ejection through a pool report:
Question: Why did Angel Reese receive the double technical and ejection in the fourth quarter?
Answer: After being called for hitting Jonquel Jones across the arm during a rebound, Angel Reese disrespectfully addressed the calling official. Following the initial technical foul, she then waved off the official in resentment, earning a second technical. The combination of these two separate acts led to her ejection. There were no prior warnings issued in the game.
Lonzo Ball’s Support
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball quickly showed his support for Reese on social media. He criticized the official’s decision and generously offered to cover any fines Reese might incur due to the technical fouls.
Wow, Angel Reese just got T’d up twice following a foul call and is gone. No idea what she said: pic.twitter.com/mQE2eTKMEq
— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) June 5, 2024
The Impact
Reese’s ejection highlighted her competitive spirit and the challenges rookies often face in adjusting to the professional level. Her reaction and the subsequent support from an established NBA player like Ball underscore the camaraderie within the Chicago basketball community.
Moving Forward
As the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese move forward from this incident, it’s a reminder of the passion and intensity that define the game. Reese’s ability to handle the adversity will be crucial as she continues to develop her career in the WNBA. Meanwhile, the support from players like Lonzo Ball highlights the solidarity among athletes, transcending the boundaries between the NBA and WNBA.
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