The WNBA announced on Tuesday that they have fined the Phoenix Mercury $10,000 as a result of Mercury players not participating in Sunday’s post game media availability.
The following was released by the WNBA: pic.twitter.com/bHe7AKdRfi— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2021
The following was released by the WNBA: pic.twitter.com/bHe7AKdRfi
According to the release, the action violated league rules governing postgame media interview access.
At the time, many critiqued the Mercury’s decision to skip the traditional postgame media availability following the game.
On Monday, players spoke for the first time since the loss. Kia Vaughn alluded to letting the Sky celebrate their victory as one of the reasons for the team skipping media availability.
“Yesterday was very emotional,” she said. “I don’t think anyone should focus on the fact that a lot of us were emotionally drained. It was more about celebrating Chicago.”
Additionally, coach Sandy Brondello said she didn’t realize the team skipped press availability.
“To be quite honest, I didn’t know they didn’t talk to the media,” she said. “If I think about it, this is Chicago’s moment.”
Diana Taurasi likewise avoided answering a question about reports that she broke a door in Wintrust arena after Sunday’s loss.