A’ja Wilson says official told her to tone down her emotions during game against Belgium
A’ja Wilson celebrates after scoring against Japan.
A’ja Wilson has always shown emotion on the court. Whether it’s to pump up her teammates after a great pass or herself after a big basket or block, Wilson uses it to fuel her MVP-level game. Apparently not everyone is a fan of it.
Wilson recalled after the U.S. beat Belgium on Thursday night at the Olympics that one of the officials during the game told her to tone it down.
“I need to, get my emotions in check (he said), and I think that just heightened my emotions even more because I’m like, ‘How are you going to tell me at my job that I can’t show emotion, passion?'” she said. “So I keep my cool. I continue being me. I keep my cool by understanding who I am and who I have around me, and don’t look back and just keep going.”
Wilson said she didn’t plan on changing the way she plays when the U.S. faces Germany on Sunday with first place in their group on the line. Both teams are 2-0 and have already advanced to the quarterfinals in Paris.
“I’m not going to let a defender think that they stopped me. I don’t think I’m ever going to let them off the hook,” she said. “And that’s what I got to keep doing. So to that ref, I’m going to keep yelling. I’m gonna keep screaming. I’m gonna keep fussing, cussing anywhere in-between cheering. Because that’s the game that I play.”
Wilson said the official made the comment after he had gone back and looked at a play. “I’m not telling him don’t blow your whistle, like I’m not telling you how to do your job, don’t tell me how to do mine,” the two-time WNBA MVP said.
Wilson, who is averaging 23.5 points and 13 rebounds for the U.S., wasn’t the only one showing emotion in the win over Belgium. It was a fun game to play in with over 25,000 fans in attendance, mostly cheering on Belgium with the arena was about 6 miles from the country’s border.
The normally even-keeled Breanna Stewart was excited after a big block and Sabrina Ionescu shushed the crowd, putting her finger to her mouth, after a late 3-pointer.
MORE in MARCA
Mandy Rose promotes her workout program with a hot picture | MarcaMarca
Fans go wild as Kay Adams and Paige Spiranac set for golf battle | MarcaMarca
The Americans enjoyed themselves en route to their 57th consecutive Olympic victory.
“Obviously knowing we’re a little bit outnumbered in our crowd, but wanting to kind of fire the team up and you know, what’s at stake and how important this is,” Stewart said. “We won one game, but that doesn’t mean anything. So just, just kind of playing with a lot of passion and, having fun.”
News
Caitlin Clark Had A Surprising Reaction To Taylor Swift’s Endorsement Of Kamala Harris
Caitlin Clark, Kamala Harris, and Taylor Swift (Photos via Getty Images) Caitlin Clark has given a clear indication of where she plans to vote, having reacted to Taylor Swift’s post endorsing presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The United States Vice President debated…
Social Media Blasted WNBA Star Kelsey Plum During Her Awkward Courtside Appearance at NCAA Tournament
Kelsey Plum (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Two-time WNBA champion Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces was simply on the sidelines to take in some of the NCAA action when social media exploded on her. Kelsey Plum was at the Final Four matchup…
Doctor’s Theory On Michael Jordan’s Health Resurfaces As Fans Continue To Worry About The Former NBA Superstar’s Well-Being After Concerning Images Popped Up Online
Michael Jordan (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images) Everyone’s talking about Michael Jordan’s eyes following the six-time NBA champion’s appearance at a recent UEFA Champions League fixture. The former Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards shooting guard was at the Louis II Stadium…
Robert Griffin III Had Everyone In Shambles After Asking Controversial Question About A Taylor Swift Video From Chiefs-Bengals Game
Taylor Swift (Photo via RGIII/Twitter) Former NFL quarterback and fired ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III had a question about Taylor Swift. Since Swift went public with her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, viewership during NFL games has skyrocketed. However, some fans have also…
VIDEO: On-Field Mics Caught Joe Burrow’s Shocking 3-Word Message To Chris Jones Following Bengals’ Controversial Loss To Chiefs
Joe Burrow and Chris Jones (Photo via MLFootball/Twitter) Joe Burrow played pretty well on Sunday, but it just wasn’t meant to be by the time the game against the Kansas City Chiefs ended. Cincinnati fell 26-25 in a game where Burrow threw two…
Former NBA Coach Desires Michael Jordan To Endorse Vice President Kamala Harris For The Upcoming Elections
Michael Jordan and Kamala Harris (Image Credits: Getty Images) The United States presidential election of 2024 is drawing near, and as more famous personalities declare their support, the presidential discussions are taking unexpected turns. North Carolina voters may be inclined…
End of content
No more pages to load