The Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury semifinal was a tough matchup until Napheesa Collier got injured in Game 3 and was ruled out for the rest of the series. The Mercury capitalized on the Lynx’s forward’s injury, netting a basket when Phee was on the ground. Cheryl Reeves was animated with the referee’s decision to let the game go on.
The event marked the starting point of a massive outburst from the Lynx players, as the league continues to respond and take action on the matter. WNBA fined Reeve $15,000 for her comments later in the press conference, in addition to the suspension imposed. Sports analyst Chris Russo sided with the league, providing his reasons.
Chris Russo Criticizes Cheryl Reeve’s ‘Ridiculous Behavior’
The Napheesa Collier-Alyssa Thomas collision video showed that the Mercury forward was reaching for the loose ball, and the Lynx star, with nowhere to go, banged into her, injuring her foot. HC Reeve was angry about the AT’s attempt, as it was too dangerous to go across the player in motion. But referees didn’t give any foul, and the NBA Referees’ Association also upheld the decision.
Reeve’s aggressive behavior and instigating acts earned her a technical foul, which later improved to a one-game suspension from the league. Analyst Russo called her actions ridiculous.
“When your coach, Reeve, did the most disgraceful thing I have seen in 50 years of watching basketball. Cursing out fans, walking out of the gym…. She should apologize for garbage, ridiculous behavior,” Russo said on an ESPN show.
He mentioned that when there is clearly no foul in the play, her reaction was worthless, and he saw nothing like that in the last 50 years. Russo also claimed that failed CBA negotiations influenced the act, and everything will be normal by the end of October.
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While ‘Mad Dog’s claims were justifiable specifically for that particular foul, Reeve, in her post-game interview, highlighted inconsistency in officiating throughout the game, which reached its peak in the final moments of the game, forcing the veteran coach to take the court.
Cheryl Reeve Standing Firm On Her Words
Even with the NBA referees showing the rule book and the WNBA imposing one of the largest fines in league history, the former USA coach is not backing down. She put her feelings on display for the press.
“I will never apologize for being me. I do think it’s important to grow and understand consequences of actions, for sure. But I will always stand up for our players’ health and safety, and the fair treatment of our organization,” Reeve said.
After Reeve’s suspension and fine, Napheesa Collier also criticized Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, for a lack of accountability. Now with the Lynx’s top player and HC taking on the league, the WNBA has a major facelift task on hand.