Angel Reese Faces Consequence After Making ‘Statements Detrimental’ to Chicago Sky
NEED TO KNOW
- Angel Reese made comments published on Wednesday, Sept. 3, that questioned her Chicago Sky teammates’ ability to win
- Later that day, she apologized, saying, “I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates”
- On Friday, Sept. 5, the Chicago Sky announced that she would not be playing in a portion of the team’s upcoming game on Sunday, Sept. 7
Angel Reese has been penalized for her comments about her Chicago Sky teammates.
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, she was quoted in the Chicago Tribune saying that she questioned her teammates’ ability to win and said she would potentially leave the team if things didn’t improve.
On Friday, Sept. 5, the Chicago Sky announced that the WNBA star would face consequences for her comments. “The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player. We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball,” the X post began.
It continued by stating that Reese, 23, will not be playing in the first half of the game on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Las Vegas Aces due to her “detrimental” statements that she made “during league-mandated media.”
“This matter has been handled and resolved internally, and we are moving forward as a team,” the statement concluded.
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Reese reportedly told the Chicago Tribune that she’s “trying to stay open-minded” while she’s on the team. However, she added that she’s “not settling for the same [expletive] we did this year,” referring to her team’s losing record.
“We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best. And however I can help to get the best here, that’s what I’m going to do this offseason,” Reese told the newspaper.
When asked about the comments after the Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, Sept. 3, she acknowledged the article and said, “I probably am frustrated with myself right now.”
The WNBA star added that she thinks “the language is taken out of context” and clarified, “I really didn’t intentionally mean to put down my teammates, because they’ve been through this with me throughout the whole year.”
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Reese continued, “So, I want to apologize to my teammates, which I already have, about the article and how it was misconstrued about what was said,” adding that she has “to be better” with her “language” in interviews.
“Because I know it’s not the message, it’s the messenger, and understanding what I say can be taken any kind of way. So, I just have to really be better and grow from this,” she concluded.
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