Why Are Angel Reese and Chicago Sky Being Fined by WNBA? Digging Deeper Into League’s Major Ruling

Indiana Fever picked up only their 2nd victory this WNBA season in what was a fiery contest. It was not only because the game went down to the wire but also because of the physical altercation between Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark. Later, during the press conference, Carter refused to speak about the situation. Coach Teresa Weatherspoon had to intervene to stop the questioning. And now, the Chicago Sky has been fined by the WNBA for the said conference along with Angel Reese.

The press conference was attended by Coach Weatherspoon, Carter, and playing her first WNBA game Kamilla Cardoso. However, according to reports Reese should have attended the press event.

Meghan L. Hall on X wrote, “Angel Reese has been fined $1,000 for failing to make herself available to the media for interviews following the game yesterday. In addition, the Sky organization has been fined $5,000 for failing to ensure that all players comply with WNBA media policies.”

WNBA reporter Khristina Williams on X gave an update regarding Carter’s foul which has left the fans divided. “The WNBA confirmed that Chennedy Carter’s (CHI) foul against Caitlin Clark (IND) at 15.8/qtr 3 on June 1, 2024, has been upgraded to a Flagrant 1 after league review.” Further, Journalist Terrika Foster-Brasby on X was asked about the policy regarding player accessibility.

Which protocol did Angel Reese and Chicago Sky fail to follow?

Foster-Brasby said, “The WNBA has a policy that player must make themselves available for media upon proper request (which is 3rd/4th qtr) even if they aren’t on the podium because media no longer has locker room access. So assuming someone made that request, if Angel declined, that basis for a fine.”

The league rules state that: • No later than 10 minutes following the game, each head coach and two players (leading scorer and key contributor) per team will be available in the separate press conference rooms for in-person and Zoom media. • Additional player interviews: After the conclusion of a team’s press conferences, any players not participating at the podium may be requested (through team PR) for interviews by in-person media ONLY. Such “additional players” will be required to be available for interviews in a suitable, alternate location such as the interview room or hallway outside the locker room. There is no Zoom requirement for the interviews with additional requested players outside of the press conference. • ALL players are required to remain in the building (whether requested or not) until all media obligations are met.

Refusal from Angel Reese could be because she knew the questions would focus on the Clark-Reese rivalry. So the youngster might have decided to not attend the presser. Even Chicago Sky have been fined which means they might have allowed Reese to not appear. Or did Reese defy the organization’s orders, only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.