The WNBA has rescinded Sky forward Astou Ndour’s technical foul and subsequent ejection that happened Sunday’s loss to the Mystics.
“After a league review, we have determined that the technical foul against Chicago’s Astou Ndour should not have been assessed,” head of league operations Bethany Donaphin said in a statement Monday morning.
Ndour was ejected in the second quarter of the Sky’s regular-season finale for making what appeared to be accidental contact with an official.
After forward Cheyenne Parker was assessed a technical foul from the bench in the second quarter, Ndour was trying to argue her case to referee Kevin Fahey. She reached out her forearm to show him a mark to prove she was fouled, but Fahey — who was talking to guard Allie Quigley — didn’t see Ndour and walked into her arm.
As a result, Fahey emphatically gestured for Ndour to be ejected.
Coach James Wade disputed the call before Ndour was escorted off the court by security with a towel over her head.
“If you know Astou, you know she’s nothing like that,” Wade told the Sun-Times in a phone interview. “I thought it was a little premature, but the ref thought he had to do what he had to do.”
After the Sky’s 100-86 loss, Ndour, who finished with just five points, voiced her confusion with the call that caused her miss most of the game on Twitter.
“I have always shown great respect for the referees and my career supports me,” she tweeted. “I still don’t understand very well what happened today and I don’t agree, but I respect the decision. I will continue to work hard. Let’s go.”
I have always shown great respect for the referees and my career supports me.I still don't understand very well what happened today and I don't agree, but I respect the decision.I will continue to work hard.Let’s go #Quickturn #Bigchallengecoming #Playoffstime #SkyTown@WNBA pic.twitter.com/2jWNlcCXYy
— Astou Ndour (@NdouraStou) September 8, 2019
Quigley, who witnessed the incident happen directly in front of her, also chimed in, tweeting: “The sad part is all 3 refs reviewed the play and STILL decided this warranted an ejection!!!!”
The news of Ndour’s overturned call comes after it received heavy backlash on Twitter. Some people called Fahey out for overreacting, while others said a mistake like this was “unacceptable.” Still, some people supported Fahey, saying that rules are the rules. (Players aren’t allowed to make contact with officials.)
Though Ndour escapes a fine from the league, it doesn’t take away from the fact the Sky — already down forward Jantel Lavender (foot injury) — were forced to play without Ndour for most of the game.
However, none of this matters going forward. The Sky (20-14), who are fifth in the standings, have turned their attention to the postseason. They’ll host the eighth-seeded Mercury on Wednesday at Wintrust Arena.
