WNBA Fines Angel Reese and Chicago Sky for Postgame Media Policy Violations

The WNBA has imposed fines on Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky for not adhering to the league’s media access rules following their narrow 71-70 defeat to the Indiana Fever. This game marked the first professional clash between Reese and the top overall draft pick, Caitlin Clark.

WNBA’s Official Statement:

Angel Reese received a $1,000 Fines for her absence from the mandatory media interviews post-game on June 1st against the Indiana Fever. Additionally, the Chicago Sky was fined $5,000 for failing to ensure compliance with the league’s media protocols by all players.

League’s Media Access Policy Overview:

1. Postgame Availability: Within 10 minutes post-game, each head coach and two players (the leading scorer and a key contributor) must be available for both in-person and Zoom media sessions in designated press rooms.
2. Additional Player Interviews: Following the primary press conferences, any other players not at the podium can be requested for in-person interviews only, conducted in alternate locations such as hallways or interview rooms. These players are not required to participate in Zoom interviews.
3. Player Presence: All players must remain on the premises until all media obligations are fulfilled, regardless of whether they are requested for interviews or not.

For the postgame press conference, the Sky presented Chennedy Carter and Kamilla Cardoso alongside coach Teresa Weatherspoon. During the session, Carter refrained from discussing an incident in the third quarter where she collided with Clark, which was later reclassified as a flagrant 1 foul upon review by the league on Sunday.

Despite not appearing at the podium, Reese was supposed to be available for in-person interviews outside the locker room, as per the league’s policy. The specific reasons for her absence from the media session remain unclear.

In the game, Reese recorded eight points and 13 rebounds, enhancing her season averages to 10.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Among rookies, she ranks second in scoring, first in rebounding and steals, and leads the league with 5.0 offensive rebounds per game.