Angel Reese and her team, Chicago Sky, have been fined for missing a post-game interview after Saturday’s 71-70 loss to the Indiana Fever.
The WNBA announced Sunday that Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky have been fined for failing to follow the league’s media policies.
Saturday’s game between the Sky and Fever was a highly anticipated matchup, with Caitlin Clark and Reese — two players with a college rivalry-facing off. The excitement was further heightened by the WNBA debut of No. 3 overall pick Kamilla Cardoso, adding a new dynamic to the game.
Reese faced Caitlin Clark, the first overall pick, in her professional debut and finished with 8 points and 13 rebounds. Clark finished with 11 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Chennedy Carter of the Sky also delivered a forceful hip-check to Clark in the third quarter. The ESPN broadcast showed Reese getting off the bench and seemingly encouraging Carter as the whistle blew. She was also the first to welcome the seasoned player as the quarter ended.
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s on-court exchange has garnered significant media attention for the second time in two years. The first time occurred during the NCAA national championship game last year when Reese’s use of the same “You can’t see me” gesture that Clark had previously used became a topic of conversation for weeks, despite Clark’s own admission that she didn’t find it offensive.
The WNBA handed Reese a substantial $1,000 fine, a clear indication of the league’s seriousness about media obligations. The team, too, was not spared, with a hefty $5,000 fine for failing to ensure their players adhered to the league’s media guidelines.
After a review, the league upgraded Chennedy Carter’s hard foul against Caitlin Clark to a Flagrant 1. After Sky made a basket, Carter hard-checked Clark, putting her on the floor with an away-from-the-play foul.
