The Chicago Sky introduced Friday that star ahead Angel Reese shall be suspended for the primary half of Sunday’s recreation towards the Las Vegas Aces, citing “statements detrimental to the crew.”
The choice capped a turbulent week for Reese, who additionally served a one-game suspension Friday after receiving her eighth technical foul of the season.
“The Chicago Sky values the security, respect, and well-being of each participant,” the crew mentioned in a ready assertion. “We’re dedicated to accountability so our gamers can keep centered on enjoying basketball. This matter has been dealt with and resolved internally, and we’re shifting ahead as a crew.”
How Angel Reese’s Suspension Unfolded
Reese drew scrutiny after an interview with the Chicago Tribune earlier within the week, the place she expressed frustration with the Sky’s course.
“I’m not settling for a similar s— we did this 12 months,” she mentioned, including that the franchise wanted to “get nice gamers” this offseason or she may take into account leaving.
She additionally raised issues concerning the crew’s level guard place, particularly referencing Courtney Vandersloot’s restoration from an ACL tear.
Assertion from the Chicago Sky pic.twitter.com/kf8qXvEkGb
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 5, 2025
“We will’t depend on Courtney [Vandersloot] to come back again [from her ACL tear] on the age that she’s at,” Reese mentioned. “I do know she’ll be an awesome asset for us, however we will’t depend on that. We want somebody, in all probability just a little youthful with some expertise, any person who’s been enjoying the sport and is keen to compete for a championship and has finished it earlier than.”
On Wednesday, Reese was assessed her eighth technical foul of the season throughout an 88-64 win over the Connecticut Solar. The penalty triggered an automated one-game suspension, which she served Friday because the Sky misplaced, 97-77, to the Indiana Fever. That very same night time, the crew introduced she would even be suspended for the primary half of Sunday’s recreation towards Las Vegas due to her feedback.
Reese mentioned Wednesday she had apologized to her teammates, clarifying that her intent was to not disparage anybody however to push for greater requirements.
Response From the Chicago Sky Group
Head coach Tyler Marsh described the suspension as a choice made on the organizational degree, making clear it was not dealt with solely by him. Talking earlier than Friday’s loss to the Indiana Fever, Marsh mentioned it was “an organizational choice from the highest down,” and emphasised that the crew deliberate to handle the matter privately slightly than in public.
“It was an organizational choice from the highest down,” Marsh mentioned. “Simply going to deal with it internally, and that’s form of what it’s been.”
Marsh added that he had spoken with Reese concerning the matter however declined to share particulars of their dialog. He reiterated the crew’s stance that “the matter has been resolved, and we’d identical to to give attention to tonight.”
The Sky’s official assertion underscored a dedication to accountability and respect, signaling the crew’s need to maneuver ahead.
Angel Reese’s Position and What Comes Subsequent
Reese stays on the middle of Chicago’s plans regardless of the controversy. A two-time All-Star, she leads the WNBA in rebounding at 12.6 per recreation and in double-doubles with 23. She additionally averages a team-high 14.7 factors and is tied for first on the Sky with 3.7 assists.
Her statistical manufacturing and vocal management have elevated her affect, however they’ve additionally highlighted the stress between her position as franchise cornerstone and her candid critique of the roster.
With the Sky holding a 10-31 file and eradicated from playoff competition final month, Reese’s calls for for stronger expertise might improve stress on the entrance workplace heading right into a pivotal offseason.
For now, Reese will return to motion Sunday after serving her partial suspension towards the defending champion Aces. However how Chicago responds to her issues — and the way her relationship with crew management develops — might outline the franchise’s trajectory as a lot as any offseason transfer.
