The WNBA took swift disciplinary action today, announcing a $25,000 fine against Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese for “unsportsmanlike conduct” following a heated altercation during Tuesday night’s game against the Indiana Fever. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, involved Reese yelling “f*** you” three times directly into the face of fellow rookie Caitlin Clark after a flagrant foul was called.
The clash between two of the league’s most high-profile rookies has reignited discussions around sportsmanship, competitive intensity, and the scrutiny placed on women in professional sports.
The Incident
With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Sky were trailing the Fever by six points in a tense game that had seen multiple physical plays. Clark drove to the basket when Reese committed a hard foul that sent Clark sprawling to the floor. The referees immediately reviewed the play and upgraded it to a Flagrant 1.
As Clark was getting up, cameras caught Reese walking toward her, pointing and shouting expletives. Though the broadcast muted most of the audio, lip-readers and courtside mics confirmed that Reese repeated the phrase “f*** you” three times in a row. The exchange triggered a brief confrontation between players from both teams, but no ejections were made.
The WNBA expects a high standard of professionalism and respect on the court. Angel Reese’s use of profane and aggressive language toward an opponent, captured clearly on video, constitutes conduct detrimental to the league,” the statement read.
