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Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson will not face further discipline from the WNBA over her verbal altercation with a fan during Tuesday’s Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Fever, according to multiple reports.
It was determined, following an in-game review, that Wilson was still in the court area under the basket when she confronted the Fever fan late in the fourth quarter after being fouled by Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham.
League rules state that stands start with the first row of fans.
“Any coach, player, or trainer who deliberately enters the spectator stands during the game will be automatically ejected,” per league rules.
The league reportedly took into consideration the intensity of the playoffs and plans to stress safety to its players.
Wilson was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct by the in-game officials.
The four-time WNBA MVP will be available for a decisive Game 3 against the Indiana Fever in Las Vegas on Thursday night.
Wilson’s teammates came between her and the fan, who was seated behind the baseline at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
As Cunningham protested the foul call, the fan stood up and pointed at Wilson.
The fan was escorted out of the arena bowl but returned to his seat after arena security determing that “there was no violation of the Fan Code of Conduct.”
During a press conference after the game, Wilson explained that it was “unacceptable” that the fan stepped toward her.
“I try to play my game … but if I am just walking, just got the foul, I’m chilling and I see a man come at me, taking steps toward me and pointing at me, I don’t give a damn what you said,” Wilson said after Indiana beat the Aces 99-89 to tie the series 1-1.
“I don’t give a damn how you said it, the tone. That is unacceptable. You don’t step toward me. You never should sit and point at me. That there is unacceptable.”
Wilson added that she apologized to her teammates for receiving a technical.
“You don’t know me at all,” she said. “To come and step toward me and point at me and say anything … you don’t have to like me, you don’t have to love me. You can hate me with all your heart. But you don’t know me. But I guarantee you will respect me.”
Wilson finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in Game 2.
The Aces are trying to win their second straight championship.
