Angel Reese Helps Restrain Sky Coach After Ejection in Heated Match vs. Connecticut Sun
The Chicago Sky’s matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday was supposed to be another high-stakes WNBA battle, but it turned into headline news for reasons beyond the scoreboard. Sky assistant coach Tyler Marsh lost his composure late in the contest, furiously confronting the officiating crew after a controversial no-call. The situation escalated so dramatically that Marsh was ejected from the game, and it ultimately took several staff members—and even rookie star Angel Reese—to help restrain him from doing further damage.
The incident unfolded in the third quarter when Sky guard Marina Mabrey appeared to be fouled while driving to the basket, but no whistle was blown. The missed call sparked frustration from the Chicago bench, but Marsh reacted with an intensity few could have expected. He stormed several feet onto the court, shouting at the referee and pointing emphatically toward the play. The referee immediately issued a technical foul, but Marsh continued his tirade, prompting an ejection just moments later.
Normally, an ejection signals the end of the chaos, but in this case, it was only the beginning. Marsh refused to let the matter drop, yelling at officials as he was escorted toward the tunnel. At one point, he attempted to break free from staff members guiding him away, and that’s when Angel Reese, the 22-year-old forward who has quickly become the face of the Sky franchise, stepped in. Reese grabbed her coach by the arm and physically helped steer him off the floor, alongside several teammates and team staff. Cameras captured the moment, and within minutes, social media was ablaze with clips of the rookie holding back her own coach.
The question fans immediately asked was: Why did Marsh react so strongly to a single missed call?
Some believe it was simply the culmination of mounting frustration. The Sky have had their share of close calls and disputed officiating decisions this season, and coaches often feel compelled to defend their players when they believe the team is being treated unfairly. Others argue Marsh was sending a message—that the Sky refuse to be overlooked or disrespected, especially against one of the league’s top contenders like the Sun.
Reese herself downplayed her role afterward, but her actions spoke volumes. Known for her passion and competitive edge since her college days at LSU, Reese has also been praised for her leadership qualities despite being in her rookie season. In this case, she showed maturity by stepping into a volatile situation and helping keep her coach, and by extension her team, from facing even stiffer penalties. The league office often reviews incidents like these, and had Marsh physically confronted an official, the fallout could have been much worse.
Players from both teams later acknowledged the intensity of the game. The Sun, who have established themselves as perennial title contenders, are known for their physical style of play. The Sky, meanwhile, are still shaping their identity after a season of roster changes, and every game has carried extra pressure as they fight for playoff positioning. The collision of these two narratives made Saturday’s matchup especially charged.
For the Sky, the incident overshadowed what had been a gritty performance on the court. Reese continued to build her impressive rookie campaign, battling for rebounds and playing with her trademark hustle. Mabrey, the player at the center of the controversial no-call, scored in double figures and showed resilience despite the frustration. Yet, the postgame conversation was dominated by Marsh’s meltdown.
Fans are now split in their reactions. Some applauded Marsh for standing up for his players, arguing that referees need to be held accountable when they miss critical calls. Others criticized him for losing his composure to such an extent, saying it reflected poorly on the team and placed players like Reese in an uncomfortable position. The sight of a 22-year-old rookie having to physically restrain her coach certainly left many shaking their heads.
The WNBA has not yet announced whether Marsh will face additional fines or suspensions, but such disciplinary measures are common following ejections of this nature. The league has emphasized professionalism and respect toward officials, and moments like this risk undermining that standard.
In the bigger picture, however, the incident highlighted the growing spotlight on the Sky and on Reese in particular. Even in a chaotic moment, Reese’s presence stood out—not just for her on-court play, but for her ability to help diffuse a situation that could have spiraled further out of control. It was a reminder that leadership in sports often shows up in unexpected ways.
Moving forward, the Sky will need to regroup quickly. With the playoff race tightening, distractions are costly, and the team cannot afford to let Marsh’s ejection linger as a narrative. Still, it is likely to remain a viral moment for weeks to come, both for the sheer drama of the confrontation and for the striking image of a young star stepping in to protect her own coach.
Whether Marsh’s actions were the result of bottled-up frustration, loyalty to his players, or simply losing control in the heat of competition, one thing is clear: the Sky will be remembered not just for the points they scored against the Sun that night, but for the unforgettable sideline chaos that required Angel Reese herself to restore order.
