WNBA Makes Unexpected Decision on Liberty-Lynx Finals Controversy
10/29/2024 05:33 AM
There were more than a few contentious moments throughout the recently-concluded WNBA Finals. Ultimately, the New York Liberty reigned supreme as they lifted the title for the first time in franchise history.
It was the Minnesota Lynx who were on the losing end of what turned out to be a five-game war. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve did not take the loss well as she blasted the game officials for Minnesota's loss. In fact, the veteran coach even went as far as saying that the championship was "stolen from us."
Reeve went off on the game officials after the loss, saying, "It's a shame that officiating had such a hand in a series like this." Despite her scathing and very public rant, the WNBA decided not to sanction Reeve for her actions.
"The WNBA did not fine Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after her criticism of the officiating from the winner-take-all Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, a league source told ESPN," reported WNBA insider Alexa Philippou.
It wasn't just Reeve who was complaining about the officiating during the Finals, though. Sandy Brondello, the Liberty head coach, also was not fined for her outburst against the game officials after Game 4.
These decisions by the league office are somewhat unexpected considering how coaches and team officials have been slapped with fines throughout the season. The WNBA, however, opted not to act in the same way when the stakes were at their highest.
Related: Sabrina Ionescu Responds to Blunt WNBA Finals Accusation
Related: Stephen A. Smith's Strong Response to Minnesota Lynx Coach's WNBA Finals Rant
