WNBA officials are no strangers to criticism. This season, coaches, players and fans have shouted from the mountaintops for one thing: consistency.
During Sunday’s game between the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces, Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün was hit with a Level 2 flagrant foul and ejected in the final seconds of the second quarter after firing a hard shoulder shot to the Aces’ Jewell Loyd.
If you want to know why she was expelled… https://t.co/PFqZoA2DD9 pic.twitter.com/GRcjO02Zfv
– Cristien (@DouBasket28) August 3, 2025
While some called the call “weak,” most considered it valid, but were upset about not remaining consistent about who they levied these fouls on, particularly regarding the physical directed at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Fans slam officiating, denounce inconsistent treatment of Caitlin Clark
“No consistency at all in this league. Mabrey’s action here was much worse and she didn’t get ejected,” one user posted on X, referring to a July 17 altercation between Connecticut Sun goalkeeper Marina Mabrey. pushed Clark fell to the floor during a timeout, but only received a technical and remained in the game.
no consistency in this league. Mabrey’s action here was much worse and she was not evicted. pic.twitter.com/pQPNnWhcrx
– Shark 🏀 (@sharkiowa) August 3, 2025
Another posted: “Didn’t they do this to Caitlin (Clark) all last year? And without even calling them foul.”
The first thing I thought of after Salaün’s expulsion was precisely this piece
I can understand why this (Janelle’s) was an ejection, but Mabrey’s push was definitely worse.
– Cristien (@DouBasket28) August 3, 2025
To add context, about three minutes before the altercation in Sunday’s game, Salaün and Loyd came face to face, chirping at each other, leading to speculation that the shoulder push may have been intentional on Salaün’s part.
With a clear windup and in the direction of the player’s neck/head, it is no surprise that Salaün was sent off. But the league now finds itself once again in the crosshairs, not for the call itself, but for the inconsistency on how these calls are distributed and who receives them.
While physicality continues to be a major topic of discussion within the WNBA, fans, players and coaches are all concerned. calling for more uniform application of rulesit doesn’t matter who is involved. Until the league addresses the growing concerns, every serious foul, every non-call and every ejection can only fuel further frustrations.
