Updated: Astou Ndour’s technical foul, ejection have been rescinded by the league

This story was updated to include a statement from Chicago Sky head coach James Wade.

In the Chicago Sky’s 100-86 loss to the Washington Mystics on Sunday, center Astou Ndour was assessed a technical foul and ejected with just over three minutes left in the second quarter. After the game, Sky sharpshooter Allie Quigley took to Twitter to express her frustrations with the ejection.

Quigley retweeted a video showing the referees making the call, reviewing the play and upholding the call.

Quigley commented, “The sad part is all 3 refs reviewed the play and STILL decided this warranted an ejection!!!!”

Twelve hours later, the WNBA has announced that the technical foul and ejection against Ndour have been rescinded.

Head of WNBA league operations Bethany Donaphin issued the following statement:

After a league review, we have determined that the technical foul against Chicago’s Astou Ndour should not have been assessed. The technical foul and subsequent ejection have been rescinded.

Of course, we will never know if Ndour’s ejection in the first half would have impacted the outcome of the game. But if the Sky had pulled off a win, they would have finished the regular season tied with the Las Vegas Aces at 21-13. The Aces — by benefit of a 2-1 record in head-to-head matchups with the Sky — held the tiebreaker and, thus, would have held onto fourth place in the event of a Sky win on Sunday.

Sky coach James Wade issued a statement regarding the league’s decision to rescind the erroneous calls:

We are very pleased with the WNBA’s decision to rescind the technical foul and ejection of Astou Ndour. I would like to thank all of the players and coaches who reached out and were supportive, as well as the fans who spoke out and had our back — we truly appreciate that. That is why this is the best league in the world. Now, we’re focused on the playoffs.

Poor officiating and a loss aside, there was a big reason for Sky fans to celebrate: Point guard Courtney Vandersloot recorded her 300th career assist. Mystics fans, meanwhile, get to celebrate Elena Delle Donne’s history-making performance: She became the first player in WNBA history to shoot over 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% from the foul line. Her actual free throw percentage is a record 97.4%.

The 2019 WNBA Playoffs tip off on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

This story was originally published on Monday, Sept. 9, at 11:00 a.m.

What are your thoughts on the WNBA’s officiating? Tell us in the comments.