Angel Reese slaps clipboard out of coach’s hand in heated WNBA moment at the end of the game [VIDEO]
Angel Reese’s Clipboard Incident Sparks Controversy Amid Stellar Performance
Earlier today, during a heated WNBA matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Washington Mystics, a moment of frustration from star forward Angel Reese became a viral flashpoint. With the score tied at 77 and under 30 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Reese slapped a clipboard out of her coach Ann Crosby’s hand as the team returned to the bench. The Chicago Sky would go on to lose the game 81-79 in a closely contested battle, but the real headline came from that split-second display of emotion.
The incident, captured in a widely shared video posted by Legion Hoops, showed Reese visibly agitated as the team walked off the court following a contentious foul call. Despite the team’s challenge, the call stood, and frustration mounted. As Crosby attempted to communicate with her players, Reese knocked the clipboard from her hands—an act interpreted by some as disrespect, and by others as passion in the heat of competition.
Frustration Over Officiating Fuels Reaction
Context is key to understanding Reese’s outburst. Just days before, she had delivered a profanity-laced critique of WNBA referees following another tough loss, saying she was willing to accept fines to speak her mind. That criticism came after a series of perceived missed calls and inconsistent officiating, something that has become a recurring talking point in her second season.
Reese’s frustration in this game stemmed from a late loose-ball foul call that many, including commentators, viewed as questionable. Her visible reaction was not just about the moment, but a culmination of recent tensions with league officiating. The Sky’s unsuccessful challenge only intensified the situation, and the bench incident became a symbolic tipping point.
A Record-Breaking Performance Overshadowed
Ironically, the incident came amid one of Reese’s most dominant performances of the season. She led the Sky with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists in 36 minutes of action, notching her sixth consecutive double-double—a WNBA record. She shot 5-of-9 from the field and 12-of-15 from the free-throw line, showcasing efficiency and poise despite the emotional end to the contest.
Entering the game, Reese was already averaging 12.6 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 40.9% from the floor and nearly 80% from the line. Her role as a cornerstone of the struggling Sky franchise cannot be understated, even as her team dropped to 5-13 on the season.
Social Media Split: Passion or Poor Sportsmanship?
As with many high-profile sports moments, the internet was quick to respond—and divided in its judgment. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) criticized Reese. Thus, calling her a “sore loser” or “unlikeable.” Meanwhile, others defended her passion and intensity.
@OwnHimMarjon: “Sore loser behavior. No excuse.”
@FeelLikeLuka: “Her slapping percentage better than her shooting percentage.”
@Scarberry89: “Caitlin Clark would never.”
@killyminaj: “Competitive spirit. Y’all act like you’ve never been in a tight game before.”
The viral moment opened the floodgates for broader debates around athlete conduct, gender dynamics, and media scrutiny in professional sports. Many pointed to the double standards applied to male athletes who display similar frustration without equivalent backlash.
Reese Addresses the Incident Directly
Later that evening, Reese took to her X account to provide her own explanation. “Those refs were ticking me off. Shoutout to Ann because she know it was the heat of the moment and she didn’t let me apologize because she knew! Not happening again tho,” she wrote.
The post reflected self-awareness and accountability. More importantly, it showed a level of mutual understanding between player and coach. Sources from within the Sky organization later confirmed there would be no internal punishment. So, as of 8:25 PM EDT on July 8, the WNBA had not issued any disciplinary ruling.
Coach Response and Team Dynamics
Though Head Coach Tyler Marsh did not specifically address the clipboard incident in his post-game comments, he did speak broadly about frustration with officiating. He pointed out “missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds” that hurt the team in crucial moments. Instead of directly speaking on it, he maintained focus on the team’s performance. However, Marsh’s avoidance of the incident may have been a tactical move to avoid further escalating the situation.
Ann Crosby, the coach involved in the incident, was reported to have accepted the moment as a passionate lapse from a driven athlete. Her decision not to demand an apology and instead support Reese reflects a team culture built on trust and emotional intelligence.
A Broader Narrative in Women’s Sports
Reese’s clipboard slap now joins a long list of moments in sports history where emotion has boiled over under intense pressure. Therefore, echoing NFL legend Tom Brady’s infamous destruction of Microsoft Surface tablets or tennis star Serena Williams’ impassioned disputes with umpires. These outbursts are often viewed differently depending on the gender of the athlete.
In women’s sports, particularly the WNBA, players are often held to an unfair standard of decorum. For some, Reese’s actions are emblematic of this imbalance. Thus, an imbalance where male athletes can show fire and be called leaders, but women face labels like “diva” or “unprofessional.”
No Disciplinary Action — For Now
As of now, the league has not commented officially on the matter. Whether that remains the case may depend on internal league reviews or additional public pressure. However, Reese’s swift response and her coach’s endorsement seem to have helped contain the situation.
Still, as the Chicago Sky’s season continues to unfold, all eyes will remain on Reese—not only for her game-changing performances but also for how she manages the ever-growing spotlight.
The Bigger Picture
With her record-breaking rebounding, outspoken nature, and undeniable talent, Angel Reese represents the new wave of WNBA stars unafraid to challenge norms. Her passion, while sometimes polarizing, is part of what makes her such a compelling figure.
The clipboard incident was one moment—brief, emotional, and real. But it does not define her. As the season moves forward, it will be her continued excellence and growth that ultimately shapes her legacy.
For now, the Chicago Sky may be struggling in the standings, but Angel Reese is proving she’s still one of the league’s most talked-about—and impactful—players.