Going into Saturday’s game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the biggest storyline was the meeting of some of the best players from the 2024 rookie class. It was the first pro game between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and also the debut of Kamilla Cardoso.
By the end of the game, the focus had shifted away from Chicago’s rookies and centered on Chennedy Carter’s hip check on Clark, which she refused to answer questions about after the game.
However, while Carter at least made herself available for questions, Reese didn’t. As a result, the WNBA fined her $1,000. Additionally, the Sky were fined $5,000 for failing to ensure all players complied with media policies.
Per the #WNBA:
Angel Reese has been fined $1,000 for failing to make herself available to the media for interviews following the game yesterday
In addition, the Sky organization has been fined $5,000 for failing to ensure that all players comply with WNBA media policies. pic.twitter.com/QpTAhozGrD— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) June 2, 2024
It’s hard to completely blame Reese for not wanting to answer questions, knowing much of the focus would have likely been about Clark — especially given Reese’s reaction to Carter’s hip check. And dating back to her time at LSU, Reese has probably answered more questions about Clark than any other player not named Caitlin Clark.
At the same time, this is a part of her new responsibility as professional, so she has to do it. When she doesn’t, this is the result.