Tanisha Wright has had some with WNBA officials.
The Atlanta Dream head coach called the referees after his team lost to the New York Liberty on Friday night, 110-80. Wright specifically mentioned a blatant call to Stefanie Dolson after Liberty center nudges Dream striker Laeticia Amihere in the nose with 4:15 to play in the fourth quarter. Wright, who was called a technical foul immediately after the call during the game, felt Dolson should have received a blatant deuce.
“She was nudged in the mouth. Blood was spurting,” Wright said of the foul on Amihere. “And for them to only assess a blatant one is absolutely ridiculous. …I don’t understand how it wasn’t a blatant two. I really do not know. I don’t understand it. And they gon’ fine me for it, but I defy [the officials] to raise their standards. »
Wright’s words came two days later a WNBA record 10 technical fouls were called in a game between the Dream and the Dallas Wings. Atlanta also lost that game. She also explained her disdain for WNBA officiating in general after the game.
“Officiating has been notoriously bad all year,” added Wright. “I’ve never sat here and blamed the officials and I won’t blame the officials. But we’re expected to play at a high level every night. These athletes – on both sides – have put in a lot of work to hone their craft and officials must be up to the same opportunity, they must be held to the same standard.
“The refereeing needs to improve. Period. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. They need to do a better job.”
After the loss, the Dream sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 5-7.