Catchings and Fortner fined for criticizing game officials

League fines Fever coach, Catchings


By Jeff Rabjohns
jeff.rabjohns RemoveThis @indystar.com
July 19, 2003


Indiana Fever coach Nell Fortner can be certain she accomplished one goal
this week.

Saying she wanted to draw the WNBA's attention to what she perceives as
increasingly inconsistent officiating, Fortner criticized the three-person
crew after Wednesday's 80-78 home loss to Detroit.

She knew a fine was likely. On Friday, the league didn't disappoint.

WNBA director of basketball operations Tracy Ellis-Ward fined Fortner $1,000
and forward Tamika Catchings $250 for their comments. The amount is standard
for criticism of officials, said WNBA director of basketball communications
John Maxwell.

Fortner said Friday it was the first time she'd been fined.

"I'm not surprised I got fined, but that's really all I can say," she said.

Catchings could not be reached for comment.

After Wednesday's game, which ended the Fever's home win streak, Fortner
criticized officials Clarke Stevens, June Courteau and Eric Brewton.

"I have never been so disappointed and seen such awful officiating," Fortner
said. "I don't know what else to do about it. I've done things, sent things
in (to the league). I don't think we were treated right, officiating-wise.

"I'm sure I'll get fined for this, but so be it. I think it's unbelievable."

After fouling out with 35.2 seconds left, Catchings said: "One thing the
refs have allowed this year is for it to be real physical, but they call the
ticky-tack fouls. That's why so many people are getting hurt, because they
don't call the fouls where we're running into each other. . . ."

"We are constantly watching tape, checking to see that everything is going
well," Maxwell said. "I don't know that anybody here sees any greater degree
of concern than normal."

I was at the game, and I'd have to say that Fortner had a point. Both Fortner
and Lambeer were given T's although in Lambeer's instance he was just standing
near the bench and seemed genuinely shocked when he got the T'ed up.

What happened that game (and in several others I've seen) is that initially
nothing is called. Then a few people get hurt and all of a sudden they whistle
everything.