Angel Reese made history on Saturday night by becoming the first-ever player to be ejected from the newly launched Unrivaled game.
The incident unfolded during the second quarter of a highly anticipated matchup between Reese’s team, the Rose, and the Laces.
The Ejection Incident
Reese, who has been a standout player for the Rose, was called for a foul on Tiffany Hayes.
As she walked away from the play, Reese made a dismissive gesture that led to her first technical foul. While she immediately tried to clarify that her gesture was directed at Hayes and not the officials, the referees did not accept her explanation.
Reese was subsequently handed a second technical foul, resulting in an automatic ejection from the game.
Fans Divided on the Call
The ejection sparked a wave of debate among fans and analysts alike.
Some supporters of Reese argued that the second technical was unwarranted, given her attempt to explain the gesture. On the other hand, others believed that the officials were justified in maintaining control of the game.
Regardless of where opinions fell, the moment brought heightened attention to the intensity of the Unrivaled league.
A Tough Season for the Rose
Reese’s ejection couldn’t have come at a more difficult time for the Rose. The team entered the game with a 1-4 record, desperately needing a win to stay competitive in the six-team league.
Losing a key player like Reese left the Rose with an uphill battle against a strong Laces team, further hampering their chances of climbing the standings.
The ejection serves as a reminder of just how fierce the competition in Unrivaled is. The league, which showcases WNBA stars, has been marked by its intense physical play and high emotions.
As the teams adjust to this new competitive environment, moments like Reese’s ejection show just how closely Unrivaled is mirroring the intensity of the traditional WNBA season.
What’s Next for Angel Reese and the Rose?
While the ejection has certainly put a spotlight on Reese and the Rose, they will look to recover when they face the Mist in their next game on Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Reese’s response to the ejection and how she leads her team moving forward will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
