Sky’s Angel Reese rips out referees after losing to Caitlin Clark, Fever: ‘Some people got a special whistle’
Reese concluded with five fouls, including a flagrant one for hitting Clark in the head.
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese was in foul trouble all afternoon in her team’s 91-83 loss against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Sunday, and she was given a Flagrant 1 for a hit on the top overall choice. During her postgame press conference, Reese had some harsh words for the officials.
When asked about the egregious foul, Reese stated that the officials “affected the game a lot tonight.” She elaborated on such sentiments while comparing the first and second halves for herself and her squad.
“For inside, I think we were playing really hard,” Reese told the crowd. “I believe we came out strong, but we didn’t receive many calls. And as I watched the footage again, I noticed a lot of off calls that weren’t made; I think certain people got a special whistle, but it’s all about playing as well as we can.
“I’m proud of Kamilla for going out and still getting a double-double.” That’s something you won’t be able to stop, regardless of the referees; we’ve been here for a while, and we won’t be denied no matter what you try. Our goal is to win, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to keep winning.”
Reese finished the game with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, tying the WNBA rookie record for her sixth consecutive double-double. However, she shot 4-of-13 from the field and was called for five fouls, the sixth time in 13 games this season.
Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon defended Reese and her fellow rookie big, Kamilla Cardoso, who both committed five fouls.
“They play so hard down there and sometimes the whistle just doesn’t go your way,” Weatherspoon recalled. “They play hard, and that is what matters most. They understand how vital it is for us to develop our identity. Tonight, I think they played their butts off. They’re quite physical down there. I wish we could have received some calls here and there.
This is not the first time Reese has been on the wrong end of an officiating call this season. Earlier this month, she was removed in the Sky’s loss against the New York Liberty after collecting two technicals in quick order. The WNBA eventually reversed the second technical, admitting she should not have been ejected from the game.
