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[Saba Sports News] Brittney Griner is likely facing a fine for her recent outburst, at the very least. Like other professional leagues, the WNBA has strict rules about how players interact with officials. Verbal abuse toward a referee can lead to a technical foul and potential additional discipline. Players and coaches are also barred from publicly criticizing officials.
Griner appeared to violate all of those standards when she abruptly ended an interview to verbally confront a referee.
Her frustration had been building since Thursday night, when she fouled out during the Atlanta Dream’s 81-76 loss to the Indiana Fever. While sitting on the bench, Griner was seen making a comment that some lip-readers interpreted as racially charged toward Caitlin Clark.
It remains unclear whether the WNBA will investigate Griner’s actions from Thursday, but her Saturday confrontation with the official may be difficult for the league to overlook.