Shocking Exit: Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve Steps Down Hours After $15K Fine..
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked the WNBA, Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve announced her immediate resignation Tuesday, just hours after the league slapped her with a $15,000 fine for her explosive criticism of Game 3 officiating. The four-time champion coach, who led the Lynx to a league-best 30-10 record this season, cited an “unbridgeable rift” with league leadership as the breaking point.
The drama unfolded during the Lynx’s 84-76 semifinal loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Friday. With 23.8 seconds left, star Napheesa Collier twisted her ankle in a collision with Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas—contact referees deemed incidental. Reeve, incensed, stormed the court, verbally berating official Isaac Barnett and earning an ejection after a second technical foul. As she exited, she hurled profanities at fans and refused to answer press questions beyond a blistering rant: “The officiating crew… for the leadership to deem those three people semifinals playoff worthy is f***ing malpractice.” She demanded a “change of leadership” in WNBA officiating, echoing frustrations from coaches like Becky Hammon and Stephanie White, who each drew $1,000 fines for echoing her sentiments.
Reeve’s one-game suspension for Game 4—served by assistant Eric Thibault—proved costly. Without Reeve and injured Collier, the top-seeded Lynx fell 86-81, ending their playoff run. The $15K penalty, confirmed Monday by ESPN sources, targeted her “aggressively pursuing and verbally abusing” officials, delayed exit, fan comments, and postgame remarks. Assistants Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson were also fined for on-court antics and a social media jab at refs.
In a heartfelt statement, Reeve reflected on her 16-year Lynx tenure, including four titles and four Coach of the Year nods. “I’ve poured everything into this game, but the unchecked physicality and inconsistent calls undermine its integrity,” she said. “It’s time for me to step away and advocate from outside.” Lynx president of basketball operations Reeve—ironically holding that dual role—thanked fans but offered no successor hint.
The resignation amplifies a league-wide officiating crisis, with Hammon decrying “bump-and-grab” fouls and White calling fines “crazy” for supporting Reeve. As the Fever-Aces series heads to Game 5, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faces mounting pressure for referee reforms. For the Lynx, Reeve’s exit leaves a void: Who rebuilds a dynasty now?
