Amid rising frustration over officiating, the WNBA has issued a fine and a suspension to Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after her fiery criticism following the team’s playoff loss.
The WNBA handed down its punishment for Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve following her actions during and after Friday’s playoff game. Reeve will be suspended for the team’s next postseason game and ordered to pay an undisclosed fine. The Lynx are scheduled to play Game 4 of their semifinals series on Sunday.
Late in the fourth quarter of Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury, Reeve was seen aggressively pursuing a referee. After the pursuit, Reeve appeared to engage in a verbal altercation with the game official.
After her ejection, the Lynx head coach refused to leave the court in a reasonable timeframe. There were just over 21 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter at the time Reeve was tossed. Reeve also appeared to direct comments toward fans as she eventually left the court.
Following the Lynx’s 84-76 loss to the Mercury, Reeve went on a lengthy rant in the postgame press conference. In her postgame rant, Reeve called for the WNBA to make changes at the league level when it comes to officiating.