What happened that caused Aces coach Becky Hammon to dispute the officials during the second quarter of Las Vegas’ 97-82 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night?
Hammon still hasn’t talked about the incident, but crew chief Roy Gulbeyan answered questions late Tuesday night from the pool reporter on Hammon’s early exit.
“On the first technical, coach Hammon came onto the playing court to complain about the previous play. Her actions were unsportsmanlike,” Gulbeyan said. “For the second technical, coach Hammon continued to aggressively pursue the calling official, and the second technical foul was issued.”
An ejection occurs immediately after a second technical foul is assessed against any player or member of the coaching staff in the same game, or immediately after a Flagrant 2 foul, whether the violations occur on the court or on the sideline.
In Hammon’s case, the first technical foul was assessed after she entered the playing court to dispute the previous play. She then pursued the official who issued the technical before receiving a second technical foul.
Hammon was restrained by members of the Aces’ coaching staff and center A’ja Wilson as the situation escalated.
Hammon has expressed frustration with the consistency of officiating at various points this season, dating back to late May following a road loss to the Dallas Wings when she criticized the disparity in free-throw attempts between the two teams.
“A’ja Wilson shoots one free throw. Chennedy Carter, zero, Jackie Young, zero,” Hammon said. “I’m f——— tired of that bulls—-. I’m not saying they didn’t earn their 22 down there, but when Awak Kuier shoots more free throws than A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young and Chennedy Carter all combined? That’s a problem.
“We’re not getting the same whistle. Give me my fine.”
When asked about the play that preceded the confrontation on the Aces’ sideline Tuesday and if there was evidence of a missed foul call, Gulbeyan was brief.
“The league office will review the play postgame,” he said.
As of Wednesday morning, the WNBA had not issued an official statement regarding the play or whether Hammon will face an additional suspension or fine following her ejection.
The Aces will conclude their season-long five-game homestand on Thursday against the Connecticut Sun.
