Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Charles Curtis

No, Christie Sides probably didn’t curse out a referee as lip-readers thought

Christie Sides Caitlin Clark DiJonai Carrington WNBA

Lip-readers thought they caught Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides screaming F-bombs at a referee in the Game 1 playoff loss to the Connecticut Fever.

But I’m here to inform you that you’re probably wrong.

A hat tip to our Prince Grimes, who noted in our work group chat that Sides was probably screaming “FATOU!” That would be the first name of referee Fatou Cissoko-Stephens, who was working the game on Sunday. Sides had gotten hit with a technical foul in that moment.

I know, the lip-reading sure made it look like she was saying something else, but this seems like the most plausible explanation here.

Here are the videos of the moment from that playoff game:

Christie Sides gets hit with a Tech for arguing an out-of-bounds call on Lexie Hull 👀👀👀

Coach is stepping up finally👀👀👀#WNBA #FeverRising pic.twitter.com/p9DyZ1DmIF

— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) September 22, 2024

Shoutout to Erica Wheeler for playing outstanding defense on Christie Sides and limiting her to one technical foul 😂 pic.twitter.com/3Kc5BxePCQ

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) September 22, 2024

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Pelicot rape trial: ‘It is Gisèle’s name that will be remembered’

Pelicot rape trial: ‘It is Gisèle’s name that will be remembered’

Woman who has become a feminist hero says she is ‘determined to change society’ as trial approaches its end

The Guardian - UK

Smoke without fire: Burning LA building which prompted 911 calls turns out to be movie set

Smoke without fire: Burning LA building which prompted 911 calls turns out to be movie set

Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed in a statement that the fire was not real

The Independent UK

Nicaraguan Parliament Approves Constitutional Reform Granting More Power To President

Nicaraguan Parliament Approves Constitutional Reform Granting More Power To President

Nicaragua's constitutional reform raises concerns over democracy and human rights due to increased presidential authority.

Tennessee Man Avoids Prison In Young Dolph Murder Case

Tennessee Man Avoids Prison In Young Dolph Murder Case

Jermarcus Johnson sentenced to probation for aiding killers in aftermath of rapper Young Dolph's murder. Case reveals complexities of music industry feuds.

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Homeowner Killed by Cop After Calling to Report Break-In Predicted His Own Death on 911 Call: 'I Don't Think I'll Be Alive'

Homeowner Killed by Cop After Calling to Report Break-In Predicted His Own Death on 911 Call: 'I Don't Think I'll Be Alive'

A Las Vegas homeowner shot to death in his own home by cops previously told dispatchers while reporting a break-in in a 911 call, "I don't think I'll be alive."

California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child

California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child

Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor

The Independent UK

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

Pelicot rape trial: ‘It is Gisèle’s name that will be remembered’

Pelicot rape trial: ‘It is Gisèle’s name that will be remembered’

Woman who has become a feminist hero says she is ‘determined to change society’ as trial approaches its end

The Guardian - UK

Smoke without fire: Burning LA building which prompted 911 calls turns out to be movie set

Smoke without fire: Burning LA building which prompted 911 calls turns out to be movie set

Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed in a statement that the fire was not real

The Independent UK

Nicaraguan Parliament Approves Constitutional Reform Granting More Power To President

Nicaraguan Parliament Approves Constitutional Reform Granting More Power To President

Nicaragua's constitutional reform raises concerns over democracy and human rights due to increased presidential authority.

Tennessee Man Avoids Prison In Young Dolph Murder Case

Tennessee Man Avoids Prison In Young Dolph Murder Case

Jermarcus Johnson sentenced to probation for aiding killers in aftermath of rapper Young Dolph's murder. Case reveals complexities of music industry feuds.

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Homeowner Killed by Cop After Calling to Report Break-In Predicted His Own Death on 911 Call: 'I Don't Think I'll Be Alive'

Homeowner Killed by Cop After Calling to Report Break-In Predicted His Own Death on 911 Call: 'I Don't Think I'll Be Alive'

A Las Vegas homeowner shot to death in his own home by cops previously told dispatchers while reporting a break-in in a 911 call, "I don't think I'll be alive."

California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child

California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child

Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor

The Independent UK

Our Picks

Dua Lipa’s pickle drink is latest twist in growing appreciation for ‘dirty’ cocktails

Brine from pickled onions, beetroot, pickles and even oysters is now a fixture on bar menus across the UK

The Guardian - UK

No, mouth-taping won’t give you a ‘snatched’ jaw. But it might improve your sleep quality

IN FOCUS: As the trend of taping one’s lips closed at night goes viral, Inga Parkel speaks to experts about whether the practice actually has any aesthetic benefits – or if it’s yet another online sensation best to brush off

The Independent UK

'Squid Game' showrunner teases 'more intriguing games' for season 2 of the Netflix hit

Plus, what's in store for fans when 'Squid Game' season 3 drops in 2025

Ellen DeGeneres embraces fresh start in England with bold new look

DeGeneres was seen with a brand new hairstyle while spending time in Jeremy Clarkson’s pub in the Cotswolds

The Independent UK

“People have used it as their wedding song. I often think, ‘Hey, did you listen to the lyrics?’”: The classic number one hit with a sting in its tail

And with the money it made, the band bought an oil well!

Mystery chemical in drinking water identified after 40 years—and nobody knows if it's toxic

The byproduct of chloramine—used to disinfect drinking water—and naturally occurring chemicals has finally been identified: chloranitramide.

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play