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Kahleah Copper uses mid-game interview to blast WNBA refs, call out Nate Tibbetts ejection

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs21 hours agogrant_grubbs_
Kahleah Copper calls out referees
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

In the third quarter of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was ejected after shouting in one of the official’s faces. During an interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe ahead of the fourth quarter, Mercury star Kahleah Copper called out the game’s referees.

“I think the refs aren’t doing a good job tonight. I’m sorry, but we just got to keep our heads. Keep our heads and just try to chip away,” Copper said.

Tensions are high for Copper and the Mercury, who entered Friday’s game trailing the Las Vegas Aces 3-0 in the series. While Copper’s team has sputtered in the WNBA Finals, she’s only stepped up her game.

Through the first three games of the season-ending series, Copper averaged 20.3 points per game. For reference, Copper only averaged 15.6 points per contest during the regular season.

Copper’s frustration ultimately boiled over with 1:30 remaining in the game. After she was called for a foul on superstar A’ja Wilson, Copper let the referee know she disagreed with the call. She was assessed a technical and, as a result, fouled out of the game.

Copper had saved her best for last in the series. She logged a team-high 30 points and six rebounds in the outing, while shooting 12-of-22 from the field.

It’s not the first time Copper has stepped up with the spotlight on her team. In 2021, Copper averaged 17.7 points per game in the WNBA Playoffs to guide the Chicago Sky to their first championship in franchise history. For her efforts, Copper was named the WNBA Finals MVP.

Kahleah Copper will likely be disciplined for her comments on the official’s Friday night. However, she’s only the latest player to voice her frustration with the league’s officiating. In late September, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier made headlines when she tore into the WNBA’s officials and leadership.

“Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates,” Collier said. “Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage. Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.”

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded to Collier ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. However, the WNBA will be forced to have discussions about its officiating this offseason with frustration growing around the league.