Mystics coach Sydney Johnson escorted off floor by police after being ejected from Washington’s loss to Atlanta originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Mystics’ matchup with the Dream on Saturday evening took a turn for the worse in the third quarter. Washington head coach Sydney Johnson was ejected following a lively confrontation with one of the game’s officials.
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Not only was Johnson upset at a call that fell upon the Mystics in the third quarter. He also had to be separated from the referee, with police having to escort him out of the court’s premises to spare the matchup of its tension.
With that, here’s a look at Johnson’s eye-catching ejection — as well as whether additional punishments are on the horizon.
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Mystics coach Sydney Johnson escorted off floor by police
Johnson was ejected from the contest at the 3:52 mark of the third quarter, heading to the showers after a lively confrontation with referee Blanca Burns.
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Johnson fumed after a foul was called on Mystics guard Alicia Florez Getino. The Spaniard was whistled for taking out Angel Reese while she attempted a layup on the fast-break.
Johnson got into Burns’ face as the teams took to their benches during the timeout, wagging his finger at the official. His assistant coaches attempted to separate Washington’s tactician from the referee, who assessed him with a double technical. He briefly turned his attention to umpire Randy Richardson before attempting to shrug his coaches away to get back to Burns. He was eventually escorted off the floor, with police leading him to the locker room.
Why was Sydney Johnson ejected?
Johnson was ejected after being handed a double technical for his tirade towards Burns. He was swiftly given one technical foul after berating Burns during the timeout. He was swiftly given a second during the ensuing chaos, bringing his night to a premature end.
MORE: Angel Reese has just three words following dominant performance vs. Mystics
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Will Sydney Johnson face further punishment?
Given the nature of Johnson’s ejection and his confrontation with Burns, it’s certainly possible that Johnson will face further punishment for his actions. Cheryl Reeve was handed a one-game ban and fined $15,000 following her ejection and subsequent post-game comments during a Game 3 loss to the Mercury in Western Conference semifinals.
Johnson’s confrontation was certainly comparable to that of Reeve’s. It seems more than plausible that he’ll command some sort of ban or fine in the coming few days.
