If someone mentions technical fouls in the WNBA during 2024, it’s hard not to think of Caitlin Clark. With five technical fouls in her debut season, she came dangerously close to suspension, just two fouls shy. However, the most controversial rookie technical foul wasn’t hers—it belonged to her rival, Angel Reese.

On June 4th, the 22-year-old Maryland native was ejected in the fourth quarter of Chicago Sky’s 88-75 victory after receiving two quick technical fouls for expressing dissatisfaction with officiating. The incident sparked widespread attention, with Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball being the first to react. He tweeted: “Ref that threw out @Reese10Angel is weak btw… You know who you are. (Keep ya money Angel, I got you).”

This sparked curiosity: did Lonzo actually pay Reese’s $200 fine? The answer was revealed after 175 days during a recent episode of Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel. Lonzo, a guest on the show, confirmed, “I did,” when Reese read out a fans question asking about it.

But that wasn’t all. Lonzo, unaware of the fine amount, had given a total sum of $2000. He contacted the former Sky coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, to make sure the Chi-Town Barbie had received it. And Reese confirmed she did. “Yeah, she gave me in cash. I appreciate that,” she repeated. Lonzo’s actions stemmed from his genuine disapproval of the call.

With a little over 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the game, Reese was fighting for a rebound. She was initially called for a personal foul. The Sky #5 was in disagreement which led referee Charles Watson to whistle for two quick techs and the eventual ejection.

Lonzo, who was attending his first WNBA game, did not think it the right decision. Still doesn’t. “That was a terrible tech… Awful,” he opines.

Now, you might wonder why Reese was fined only $200 despite receiving two technical fouls. After the league reviewed the incident, the second technical foul was rescinded, reducing her penalty from $400 to $200, per the WNBA’s fine structure. This was one of three technical fouls Reese received in her rookie season.

The June 4th incident wasn’t the first time Reese faced disciplinary action

Earlier in the season, on June 2nd, Reese and the Chicago Sky were fined after their 70-71 loss to Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. Reese was penalized $1,000 for failing to make herself available for post-game interviews, violating the WNBA’s media policy. The Sky organization also faced a heftier fine of $5,000 for not ensuring their players adhered to these policies.

Despite these challenges, Reese didn’t let controversies overshadow her achievements. In the same game against the New York Liberty where she received two technical fouls, Reese recorded the first of her WNBA record 15 consecutive double-doubles. It was a historic debut season for the Chi-town Barbie, who is the first rookie to have a double-double streak. Not just as a rookie, she made waves in league too with her rebounding average of 13 rebounds per game.

The 22-year-old now gears up for the Unrivaled, starting off in January. She is expected to make a six-figure there. So clearly, money is not the issue for Reese or Lonzo’s concern for the Sky star. It was the decision and the Chi-Town Barbie has made peace with it, made a notable connection even.