Angel Reese, a rookie forward for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, was ejected from a game against the New York Liberty on June 5, 2024. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Reese received two technical fouls. According to multiple reports, including ESPN and Yahoo Sports, Reese was called for a personal foul with 2:31 remaining in the game. After receiving the first technical for her response to the call, she was ejected after waving her hand dismissively towards referee Charles Watson in resentment. The second technical foul was later rescinded by the WNBA.
Reese finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds but shot only 25% from the field. Her team, the Chicago Sky, were already trailing significantly at that point in the game.
The incident left her teammates and coach Teresa Weatherspoon puzzled. Weatherspoon tried to get an explanation from officials but did not receive one. According to reports, Maj Forsberg, who was not the referee who ejected Reese, stated that she received technical fouls for 'disrespectfully addressing' the official and then for 'waving her hand in dismissal'.
Lonzo Ball, a Chicago Bulls guard and apparent supporter of Reese, offered to pay her fine on social media platform X. However, since only one technical foul was issued, the fine will be $200 instead of the originally proposed $400.
The WNBA has been under scrutiny for its officiating this season, particularly regarding how rookie Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has been treated. Reese's ejection is an example of inconsistent application of rules and a potential issue with referee experience and turnover rates.
The Sky had lost to the Liberty with a score of 88-75 before Reese's ejection.
