INDIANAPOLIS – Angel Reese, star of the Chicago Sky, has been suspended for the first half of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces. The organization has described the suspension as a result of “detrimental statements to the team”.
The Sky coach, Tyler Marsh, commented before Friday’s 97-77 loss to the Indiana Fever that the suspension for the first half was an “organization decision” that came from “top to bottom”. Reese also missed Friday’s game due to a one-game suspension after receiving her eighth technical of the season on Wednesday, during Chicago’s 88-64 victory over the Connecticut Sun. On Wednesday, Reese said she apologized to her teammates for her comments that appeared in a Chicago Tribune article earlier in the week. Among her statements, Reese told the Tribune that “she is not settling for the same shit we did this year”, adding that the team “has to get great players” in this offseason or else she might consider leaving. The Sky (10-31) were eliminated from playoff contention last month. Reese also expressed her concern about the Sky’s base situation, saying: “We can’t depend on Courtney Vandersloot to return [from an ACL tear] at the age she is. I know she will be a great asset to us, but we can’t depend on that. We need someone, probably a little younger with some experience, someone who has been playing and is willing to compete for a championship and has done it before.” Marsh said on Friday that he had spoken with Reese, but declined to give details of the conversation, reiterating that “the matter has been resolved and we would like to focus on tonight”. Reese, a two-time All-Star, leads the WNBA with 12.6 rebounds per game and 23 double-doubles this season. She also averages a team-high 14.7 points and is tied for first with 3.7 assists.The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of each player. We are committed to responsibility so that our players can focus on playing basketball. This matter has been handled and resolved internally, and we are moving forward as a team.
Team Statement
