Chicago Sky coach James Wade says official referred to him in derogatory manner

Chicago Sky coach James Wade filed a complaint with the WNBA on Wednesday morning after an official referred to him in a derogatory manner during Tuesday night's loss to Atlanta.

"When someone tells one of my players, 'Hey, explain to your boy,' I take that personal," Wade, who is one of two Black male head coaches in the league, said after a 90-83 loss. "That's what I've been dealing with. That's how people see me.''

The WNBA typically investigates complaints of this nature, but it doesn't comment on pending investigations.

Wade also implied his team is targeted by officials with "ridiculous'' calls. Chicago was called for 22 fouls, while Atlanta had 21.

"I'm not going to try to victimize anything, but I take it personal. It's personal. We don't have any margin for error," Wade said. "Watch the game. It's ridiculous. It's shameful and it's disgraceful. The players work hard. When they come out and try to do the right things and they get penalized for what colors you have on, then I think it's ridiculous.''

This incident comes on the heels of the league suspending Connecticut Sun coach Curt Miller for a comment he made to an official about Las Vegas Aces star Liz Cambage.

Miller apologized for his remark but was suspended a game and fined $10,000 by the league.

Chicago's next game is Friday night against Los Angeles.