{"id":184026,"date":"2025-10-02T02:40:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T02:40:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/184026\/"},"modified":"2025-10-02T02:40:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T02:40:07","slug":"chris-russo-goes-scorched-earth-after-napheesa-colliers-statement-cheryl-reeves-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/184026\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Russo goes scorched earth after Napheesa Collier\u2019s statement, Cheryl Reeve\u2019s \u2018behavior\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

The post Chris Russo goes scorched earth after Napheesa Collier\u2019s statement, Cheryl Reeve\u2019s \u2018behavior\u2019<\/a> appeared first on ClutchPoints<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Minnesota Lynx entered the 2025 WNBA playoffs<\/a> as the No. 1 seed. However, the team\u2019s postseason run ended in dramatic fashion against the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve received a fine and a one game suspension after arguing a no call that injured Napheesa Collier<\/a>. Both took shots at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league.<\/p>\n

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Collier took a bold stand, calling out the WNBA\u2019s poor leadership. The play that took her out of Game 3 against Phoenix caused a lot of drama around the league, bringing the officiating into question yet again. However, the ongoing conflict has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, including ESPN pundit Chris Russo. According to him, Reeve did not handle things well<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCollier in her response said \u2018this is not about W\u2019s and L\u2019s.\u2019 Yes it is, because you put your statement out after you lost,\u201d Russo said. \u201cWhen your coach, Reeve, the most disgraceful thing I have seen in 50 years of watching basketball. Cursing out fans, walking out of the gym\u2026. She should apologize for garbage, ridiculous behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collier and Reeve remain steadfast in their opinion about the WNBA\u2019s leadership. However, Engelbert and the league have talked about officiating throughout the season. The commissioner said at All-Star Weekend that she and the WNBA<\/a> were working on fixing the issues the players brought up so they could be better in the postseason.<\/p>\n

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Despite taking steps in that direction, Collier, Reeve, and the Lynx end their season irate with the league. Last year, Minnesota lost in the WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty in a Game 7 that featured another crucial call that went against them.<\/p>\n

Instead of advancing to a decisive Game 5, Minnesota lost to the Mercury in Game 4. The loss sent Alyssa Thomas and Co. ahead to face the Las Vegas Aces. A\u2019ja Wilson and the Aces are playing with confidence heading into the WNBA Finals<\/a> and face a big challenge.<\/p>\n

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Related: Exclusive: How legendary referee Monty McCutchen got to horse around as NBA VP<\/a><\/p>\n

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Related: Elena Delle Donne rips Cathy Engelbert after Napheesa Collier callout<\/a><\/p>\n