The Chicago Sky suspended Angel Reese for the first half of their upcoming game on Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces following her outburst in a recent interview. The Sky announced on Friday that Reese’s words were “detrimental to the team.” Reese’s comments sparked tension about the team’s future and hinted that she might need to move in a different direction if improvements aren’t made.
Chicago Sky Send Message With Angel Reese’s Suspension
Sky Says Matter Has Been Resolved Internally
This internal discipline comes on top of the one-game suspension she’s already serving from the WNBA for picking up her eighth technical foul of the season and missing the team’s game Friday night against Indiana. The foul came during a physical play against the Connecticut Sun. Officials reviewed the contact and ruled it unsportsmanlike.
That penalty alone would have been big news, but the story didn’t end there. On Friday, Chicago released a statement reiterating their commitment to accountability and insisted they had dealt with the matter internally.
Statement from the Chicago Sky pic.twitter.com/kf8qXvEkGb
— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) September 5, 2025
Reese’s suspension comes at a tough time for the team. The Sky are still fighting for playoff positioning, and she has been a big part of their game plan, averaging a double-double. Her energy on the boards and ability to draw fouls have kept Chicago in games when the offense has struggled.
How Reese’s Comments Led To Emergency Internal Meeting
With Reese now sidelined for Friday and only available for half of Sunday, the Sky will need other players to step up. Veterans like Marina Mabrey and Elizabeth Williams will likely take on bigger roles. Guard Dana Evans may also see more minutes as the team looks for more scoring and leadership on the floor.
Reese’s comments led to an internal meeting after several players planned to confront her. The 23-year-old was the No. 7 pick in the WNBA draft last season, and she is averaging 14.7 points and a league-best 12.6 rebounds. She has at least one more season on her rookie contract.
“I’m not settling for the same we did this year,” Reese stated in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. ‘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 indicated that she would like to spend her career in Chicago, but admitted she might have to explore other options if the situation with the Sky did not improve. She added that, for as long as she remains with the team, she intends to stay open-minded and make the most of the opportunity.
She also directed criticism toward Rachel Banham, Hailey Van Lith, and veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot, who had only recently returned from an ACL injury.
A Clear Message from the Sky
The decision to bench Reese for the first half against the Aces serves as more than just a punishment; it sends a clear message about accountability, discipline, and unity. By addressing the issue publicly and swiftly, the organization is making it clear that no player, regardless of their talent, is above the team.
Featured image: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The post Chicago Sky Send Message With Angel Reese’s Suspension appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.