WNBA Suspends Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve for Historic Playoff Game Ban After Officials Dispute

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has been suspended for Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA semifinals following an aggressive outburst directed at referees during Game 3 against the Phoenix Mercury. Reeve was ejected late in the game after vocally criticizing the officiating, which she described as "malpractice," and called for a change in leadership at the league level regarding officiating. Her conduct included verbally abusing a game official, failing to leave the court promptly after ejection, and making inappropriate comments to fans, leading to a rare disciplinary suspension during the playoffs. The incident followed a season-long buildup of frustration, including controversial refereeing in the previous year's finals, and was further intensified by the injury of star player Napheesa Collier during the game. The WNBA also fined assistant coaches Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson for their conduct related to the incident. This marks the first time in WNBA history a coach has been suspended for a playoff game, sparking debate among fans about the severity of the punishment.