Sky suspend Reese for 'detrimental' comments

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chicago Sky star Angel Reese will be suspended for the first half of the team's game Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces for what the organization called "statements detrimental to the team," the Sky announced Friday.

"The Chicago Sky values the safety, respect, and well-being of every player," the team said in a prepared statement. "We are committed to accountability so our players can stay focused on playing basketball. This matter has been handled and resolved internally, and we are moving forward as a team."

Sky coach Tyler Marsh said before Friday's 97-77 loss to the Indiana Fever that the first-half suspension was an "organizational decision" that came from the "top down."

"Just going to handle it internally, and that's kind of what it's been," Marsh said.

Reese also sat out Friday to serve a one-game suspension after receiving her eighth technical of the season Wednesday in Chicago's 88-64 win over the Connecticut Sun.

Reese said Wednesday that she apologized to her teammates for her comments that appeared in a Chicago Tribune article earlier this week.

Among her remarks, Reese told the Tribune she is "not settling for the same s--- we did this year," adding that the team "[has] to get great players" this offseason or else she might consider moving on from it. The Sky (10-31) were eliminated from playoff contention last month.

Reese also expressed concern over the Sky's point guard situation, saying, "We can't rely on Courtney [Vandersloot] to come back [from her ACL tear] at the age that she's at. I know she'll be a great asset for us, but we can't rely on that. We need someone, probably a little younger with some experience, somebody who's been playing the game and is willing to compete for a championship and has done it before."

Marsh said Friday that he has spoken with Reese but declined to give details of the conversation, reiterating that "the matter has been resolved, and we'd just like to focus on tonight."

A two-time All-Star, Reese leads the WNBA with 12.6 rebounds per game and 23 double-doubles this season. She also averages a team-high 14.7 points and is tied for first with 3.7 assists.