The WNBA issued a one-game suspension to Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve following her intense remarks regarding game officials after Minnesota’s 84-76 loss to the Mercury in the semi-finals.
Reeve’s suspension will take effect for Game 4, attributed to her “actions and comments” during the match held in Phoenix on Sunday.
During Friday’s game, Reeve was escorted off the court after expressing her frustration over an injury to player Napheesa Collier. In the post-game interview, she criticized the officiating crew and mentioned a desire for “change in leadership.”
“If this is what the league wants, then fine, but I want to see a change in leadership at the league level,” Reeve told reporters. “The officiating crew we had tonight is just unacceptable, especially for the semi-finals.”
The WNBA’s statement on Saturday highlighted that her suspension stemmed from her aggressive behavior towards game officials, her late departure from the court after being ejected with 21.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter, her inappropriate comments to fans, and her remarks during post-game press conferences.
Additionally, Lynx assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson faced a fine for a social media post aimed at the referee, expressing her frustration over the officiating. “Yeah, this happened! I can’t control the game, but they take out one of the best players in the league!” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s associate head coach managed to hold back her own frustrations during the game.
