Chicago Sky star Angel Reese exploded at WNBA referees following her team’s 80-75 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, calling the officiating “diabolical” and threatening to continue speaking out despite potential fines.
Reese will represent Chicago as the Sky’s only All-Star selection when the game takes place July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.
What Sparked Angel Reese’s Heated Criticism of WNBA Officials?
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese recently unleashed a scathing attack on WNBA referees after what she viewed as a series of missed calls during Chicago’s loss to Minnesota. The outburst came after a game where the free throw disparity told the story of Reese’s frustration.
Angel Reese WENT OFF on the officiating in the postgame press conference 😭
“I don’t give a damn if I get fined because that sh*t cheap and I am tired of this sh*t…I have been nice and I’ve been humble with it but I am tired of this sh*t”
pic.twitter.com/Z6Zx1qTQfb
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 7, 2025
“We can compete with the best, but (officiating) has to be fixed. I don’t give a damn if I get fined, that sh*t cheap and I’m tired of this sh*t. I’ve been nice, I’ve been humble with it, but I’m tired of this sh*t,” Reese told reporters after the game.
The numbers backed up her frustration. Chicago attempted just 8 free throws compared to Minnesota’s 17, a disparity that clearly bothered the Sky forward.
diabolical. https://t.co/37mPKM7HO2
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) July 7, 2025
After her postgame comments, Reese took her complaints to social media. She posted a photo showing herself being grabbed around the waist during a play with the caption “diabolical,” making her point about missed calls crystal clear.
Why Are Multiple WNBA Stars Calling Out the Referees?
Reese isn’t alone in her criticism of WNBA officiating. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clarkalso voiced her frustration with referees during a recent game against Minnesota. Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year who averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists jumped off the bench to yell at officials after what she saw as a missed foul call.
“CALL THE FOUL” 👀
Caitlin Clark wasn’t happy with this no-call from the refs 😳 pic.twitter.com/adJTPqYOJt
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 2, 2025
Indiana coach Stephanie White backed up her star player’s frustration. “I think it was pretty obvious that stuff was brewing, right? When the officials don’t get control of the ballgame, and it’s been happening all season, all season, all season. It’s not just this game. It’s been happening all season long,” White explained to reporters.
The pattern of complaints from high-profile players creates a challenging situation for the WNBA. Fining multiple stars for criticizing officiating could backfire if the criticism continues to mount. Both Reese and Clark have massive followings and significant influence within the league.
Reese has been putting together one of the best stretches of her career recently. She became the first player in WNBA history to record 15 or more rebounds in five consecutive games, continuing her dominant rebounding efforts since joining the league.
