After 26YO All Star?s Bump into Referee Turns in Questionable Ejection, WNBA Analyst Sounds off in Despair

While the NBA is in its offseason phase, the WNBA is flourishing in the basketball realm. The league is experiencing its first extended season of 40 games, and fans thoroughly enjoy this change. Despite facing challenges this season, the Phoenix Mercury scored 45 points in the first quarter of a game. Sabrina Ionescu broke Stephen Curry‘s 3-point record during the recent WNBA All-Star event. She set a new standard for both NBA and WNBA athletes. Alongside, Brittney Griner and her journey continue to be a consistent source of pride and motivation.

It’s undeniable that the WNBA is making all the right moves to shape the league’s future. Their 67% increase in viewership this year clearly reflects the impactful headlines they’ve been generating. However, an ESPN analyst recently expressed worries about some aspects of the league’s protocols.

LaChina Robinson questions WNBA ejection protocols

An incident happened at the recent game between Chicago Sky and Dallas Wings. With just 52 seconds left in the game, Arike Ogunbowale made unnecessary content with the referee. This led to her ejection from the competition. Security guards moments escorted her out of the court.

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Ogunbowale was not satisfied with the referee’s decision, claiming it?“that was the worst call I’ve ever seen in my life.”

On a similar ground, LaChina Robinson displayed her disagreement on the call during her Around the Rim?premiere. In a talk with Terrika Foster-Brasby, she hinted that Arike’s contact might not be intentional.

However, her primary concern rests in another fragment of the ejection.“The thing that bothers me the most is the clip that we saw playing all day on these different networks, on social media, is Arike being escorted out by security.”?

Acknowledging the global following of the WNBA by young women and children, she emphasized,?“This is not the visual you want to see or show of these women and what they’re doing on the court.”?While LaChina agrees protocols are essential, she thinks security involvement makes the incident exclusive.

Arike is the 4th top scorer in WNBA at the moment. With the Wings’ loss to the Chicago Sky, they register a clean sweep in their current season matchups.?

WNBA fines Arike Ogunbowale for her demeanor

In the recent game, Ogunbowale was ejected for the second time this season. The 26-year-old guard’s shoulder inadvertently made contact with the referee’s shoulder. This resulted in a technical foul being called, leading to her ejection. She was quick to come up with dissatisfaction with the league’s officiating personnel.?

In addition to Arike, other WNBA players have openly expressed dissatisfaction with referees this season. In a surprising development, the WNBA has recently taken action by issuing a series of fines.?

Ogunbowale was expected to be suspended. However, she incurred a fine for interacting with the official and her comments after the game. On a related note, Ruthy Hebard, forward for the Sky, faces a 1-game suspension. Ruthy and her teammate were involved in straying from the bench area during an on-court altercation. Both are handed out fines for the same.

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In recent enforcement, WNBA has imposed penalties on over five players. Interestingly, even players sidelined due to injuries, such as Ariel Atkins and Shakira Austin, faced consequences for their actions. However, the specific amounts of the fines remain undisclosed at present.