The WNBA has rescinded Angel Reese’s second technical foul that led to her ejection against the New York Liberty on Tuesday.
The Chicago Sky rookie was thrown out after receiving consecutive techs in the fourth quarter before her team lost 88-75 at home to Breanna Stewart and Co.
On Wednesday, the league announced that the second technology had been withdrawn, cutting Reese’s $400 fine in half.
With 2:31 left in the game, Reese was whistled for her fifth personal foul after reaching Liberty center Jonquel Jones on an offensive rebound.
After flirting with a foul call, Reese appeared to have said something to official Charles Watson that led to a technical foul.
The WNBA rescinded one of Angel Reese’s technical fouls on Tuesday night
Although her choice of words remains a mystery, Reese made Watson suffer as she walked away – resulting in a back-to-back technology that led to her eviction.
The Chicago crowd cheered as Reese walked into the tunnel. Reese finished the game with 13 points and ten rebounds in 24 minutes.
“I tried to get an explanation, but I couldn’t,” coach Teresa Weatherspoon said when asked about the ejection after the game. “I don’t know what happened until this moment.”
“She was sent off,” teammate Marina Mabrey added. ‘She said something to the referee. Whatever he felt [like] was the right decision, that’s what he did. For us it’s more about calmness. You have to get to know the referees and how they react to things.’
Chief Officer Maj. Forsberg later told a pool reporter that the technical fouls were committed for “disrespectfully addressing” Watson and “waving her hand in sign of dismissal.”
The WNBA fines players $200 for each of the first three technical fouls in a season. Techs four through six are worth $400 each. The seventh technical will cost a player $800 and a one-match suspension.
Reese left Tuesday’s loss to the Liberty with 13 points, 10 rebounds and five personal fouls
WNBA MVP Breanna Steward led the Liberty with 33 points and 14 rebounds in their win
After the game, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, who was present, offered to pay Reese’s fine.
“Ref throwing out @reese10angel is lame btw… You know who they are (keep your money Angel, I got you,” Ball tweeted.
“I appreciate you gang!” Reese responded.