Chicago Sky's Angel Reese Ejected After 'Disrepectfully Addressing' WNBA Official

Chicago Sky's Angel Reese received a double technical and was booted from Tuesday's game with 2:31 left to play against the New York Liberty. Reese appeared to jaw off at a ref and waved off the official, prompting her double-tech and an early exit.

The game's lead official, Maj Forsberg, shared that Reese received the double tech for "disrespectfully addressing" a ref.

Reese had some words with the nearby official, Charles Watson, after receiving a foul call under the rim late in the game. 

It was Reese's fifth foul of the contest. 

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Reese disagreed with the call and waved off the official, adding another technical as Chicago slogged to a double-digit loss. Chicago lost 88-75 to New York. 

Some called the ref's move soft, while others used the moment to criticize Reese—a trending WNBA personality garnering a reputation for having a short fuse. 

In this case, people were split on whether it was Reese's or the ref's fault for the late-game scene. Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon disagreed with the double technical.

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 04: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky reacts after being ejected from the game during the second half against the New York Liberty on June 4, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/ Icon Sportswire)

"I tried to get an explanation and I did not," Weatherspoon said, as relayed by On3. "I don’t know at this moment what has happened."

Reese, the No. 7 pick from the 2024 draft, finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Chicago dropped to 3-5 on the season. As noted by On3, the WNBA fines players $200 per technical foul — seven technical fouls by a WNBA player on the season results in a suspension.

As to who stepped up to support Reese, Chicago Bulls' oft-injured guard Lonzo Ball posted on his X late Tuesday, offering to pay Reese's fines. (Is he shooting his shot?)

Ball posted: "Ref that threw out @Reese10Angel is weak btw… You know who you are (Keep ya money Angel I got you)."

Tuesday night's double-tech adds to the ongoing spotlight on Reese, mostly stemming from an on-court rivalry with WNBA phenom and fellow rookie, Caitlin Clark. 

Clark's popularity brought Reese into the spotlight, and the Sky player said she accepts her role as Clark's "villain."

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 04: Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky lines up a for a free throw during the second half against the New York Liberty on June 4, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/ Icon Sportswire)

Chicago faced Clark's Indiana Fever on Saturday (June 1) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Despite Indiana's thrilling one-point victory, 71-70, the aftermath centered on Chennedy Carter and Angel Reese's behavior toward Clark. 

Chennedy Carter hip-checked Clark during regulation, and Reese celebrated the move with Carter on the Sky bench. 

Villain or not, Reese is making herself a household name.

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