New York Liberty guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was ejected from a game against the Minnesota Lynx on July 2, 2024, after throwing her shoe toward the court during a stoppage in play. The incident occurred in the final minutes of the contest, leading to an immediate disqualification under WNBA officiating standards regarding unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Incident at Target Center
With approximately 3:45 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Liberty’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton experienced a shoe malfunction. After her sneaker came off during a defensive possession, she briefly attempted to retrieve it. When the ball remained in play and the game did not stop, Laney-Hamilton—frustrated by the equipment failure—tossed the shoe toward the sideline area.
The officials stopped play shortly thereafter to address the situation. Upon reviewing the play, referees assessed Laney-Hamilton a technical foul, which resulted in her ejection from the game. According to the WNBA rulebook, officials are empowered to eject players for actions deemed detrimental to the game, including the throwing of objects.
Context and Team Impact
Laney-Hamilton had been a significant contributor for the Liberty before her departure, finishing the night with 11 points and four rebounds. Her absence forced New York head coach Sandy Brondello to adjust her rotation during the critical closing minutes of the game.
The Minnesota Lynx ultimately secured the victory, capitalizing on the Liberty’s late-game disruption. The ejection marked a rare instance of a player being removed from a WNBA contest due to a piece of equipment-related frustration.
WNBA Officiating Standards
The decision to eject Laney-Hamilton aligns with the league’s focus on maintaining professional conduct standards. While equipment issues are common in professional basketball, the act of throwing gear—regardless of intent—is categorized as an unsportsmanlike act.
Key Details of the Ejection
- Date: July 2, 2024
- Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
- Reason for Ejection: Unsportsmanlike conduct (throwing equipment)
- Stat Line: 11 points, 4 rebounds
The Liberty have continued their season following the incident, with Laney-Hamilton remaining a staple in the starting lineup. The league did not announce any additional suspensions following the game, confirming the ejection was handled through standard in-game officiating protocols.