The Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx semifinals series had many game-changing moments, but the series-deciding one was the injury to Napheesa Collier and Cheryl Reeve’s suspension after the incident. Reeve criticized the officiating in the post-game interview and now will have to pay a fine for her words.
Becky Hammon and Stephanie White received $1,000 fines each for backing Reeve’s stance, and as per ESPN’s report, the Lynx HC will pay $15,000 in fines.
Cheryl Reeve Receives $15,000 Fine
At the end of Game 3, the experienced coach let loose in the press conference and said that the league’s decision to assign that officiating crew was “f—ing malpractice”. She was aggressive in front of the microphone and called for “a change of leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating”.
Incidentally, the league appointed the same referees for Game 4 between the Fever and Aces, which demonstrated their support for the officials and clarified their stance on the subject. Moreover, the WMNA imposed $15,000 fine on Reeve. This is the highest value fine in league history.
It is important to note that the league had already added the ‘comment on officials’ as one of the reasons for the suspension of the former US national team coach.
The statement released at the time reads, “Her conduct and comments included aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing a game official on the court, failure to leave the court in a timely manner upon her ejection with 21.8 seconds to play in the fourth quarter, inappropriate comments made to fans when exiting the court, and remarks made in a post-game press conference.”
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Reeve criticized the refereeing earlier as well. After losing the WNBA finals to the Liberty team, she famously quoted, “I know all the headlines will be ‘Reeve Cries Foul,'” Bring it on, right? Bring it on, because this s— was stolen from us. Bring it on.”
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has been fined $15,000 for her rant about some of the WNBA referees chosen to officiate playoff games.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 30, 2025
It's believed to be the largest individual fine in WNBA history. pic.twitter.com/fy3vK2JGMw
With that context, she clearly feels that her team is receiving unfair treatment for two consecutive seasons. The Mercury coach remained silent on the subject while most of the other coaches had already voiced their concerns over the ‘poor and inconsistent officiating’ in the league.
Napheesa Collier Shows Support For Cheryl Reeve
After losing the semifinal, Napheesa Collier was in an exit interview back in Minnesota, where she thrashed the league’s treatment. She added that she doesn’t have a problem with players, fans, and even her teammates, but believes that the WNBA leadership is neglecting an essential aspect of the game.
“Seems like all of free speech is being fined right now. (The WNBA has) The best fans in the world, the best players in the world, but the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said.
Collier is not only an important player in the league but holds a vice President post in the WNBPA, who is in negotiation with the league over an improved CBA. She also joins the group of coaches and players who continue to express discontent with how the league is operating.