The WNBA announced Monday that it had fined Connecticut Sun coach Curt Miller $10,000 and suspended him for one game after Miller made a disparaging remark to a referee Sunday about the weight of Las Vegas Aces post player Liz Cambage.
As reported by the Associated Press, Cambage posted on social media that Miller disrespected her during Sunday's game — a game the Sun won 72-65. While arguing whether a call should have gone the Sun’s way, Miller told the official that Cambage weighed 300 pounds.
“I will never let a man disrespect me,” Cambage said in her Instagram post.
The 6-foot-8 player said she weighs 235 pounds and is proud of her size, the AP reported. She said Miller’s comment was far different from the usual player-to-player trash talk.
“For a coach on another team to be yelling like protected abuse, ’cause we can’t do nothing back, it’s just crazy to me,” she said.
Miller issued a statement Monday apologizing to Cambage and the Aces.
“I made an inappropriate and offensive comment in reference to Liz Cambage’s height and weight,” he wrote. “I regret what I said in the heat of the moment and want to sincerely apologize to Liz and the entire Aces organization. I understand the gravity of my words and have learned from this.”
Miller said he has spoken with Cambage’s agent and the Aces’ general manager. The veteran coach said in a media session later Monday evening that he was disappointed in himself
“As a leader, words matter. It was inappropriate,” he said. “In a league where we empower women, and I’ve spent 31 years empowering women — just not acceptable.”
The Sun will be without Miller on the sideline for tonight's game at Seattle.
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