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The WNBA will not take action against Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese and Dallas Wings standout Paige Bueckers over their friendly bet.

Following the Dream and Wings’ electrifying July 29 matchup, some social media users called for Reese and Bueckers to be suspended after the pair made a playful wager on the game’s outcome during All-Star weekend.

The league also came under fire after sharing a clip of the moment on its social media channels, a move critics said appeared to endorse gambling.

Angel Reese And Paige Bueckers Are In The Clear After Users Call For Their Suspension

According to a new report from The Athletic, Reese and Bueckers will not face consequences from the league after a video of them placing a friendly $400 wager on the outcome of last night’s game went viral late last week.

“Imma see y’all on Wednesday,” Reese said. “If y’all lose…,” Bueckers replied, “I get to have that,” pointing toward the $400 cash. “If y’all win, you get the $400,” Reese replied, to which Bueckers said, “If we lose, then you get to keep it.” Reese added, “No, you owe me $400!”

Reese appeared to double down on the wager during last night’s post-game conference, telling the media, “Yeah, I’ll be requesting my Apple Pay after this…”

Adding to the drama, the WNBA even posted a video of the team’s admins interviewing Bueckers about the bet; however, it was quickly deleted after fans questioned its appropriateness.

The WNBA Said Their Post Was Meant To Be ‘Lighthearted,’ Will Use This As A Teaching Moment For Paige Bueckers And Angel Reese

In a recent statement, the WNBA responded to the backlash and said its post was intended to be “lighthearted” before saying that its players are “well aware” of the WNBA’s policies surrounding gambling on games.

“We recognized that the post missed the mark, removed it shortly after it was published, and addressed the matter internally,” the statement read.

The league also said it would use this moment to raise awareness among its players, coaches, and other staff about the seriousness of gambling on WNBA games.

“We will also use this as an opportunity to reemphasize with the players involved that conversations about wagering on WNBA games, even when intended as a joke, can have negative consequences,” it continued.

Gambling Is A Hot Topic In The NBA

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Gambling is a hot topic right now in the NBA, considering federal prosecutors recently alleged that former Miami Heat player Terry Rozier agreed to take a $100,000 bribe to manipulate his performance as part of a gambling scheme.

According to ESPN, a federal indictment alleges that Rozier planned to manipulate his performance in a game by playing only a few minutes and then using a 2022-23 season leg injury as a reason to exit early.

Rozier’s alleged co-conspirator reportedly shared that information with other corrupt gamblers, who placed more than $250,000 in wagers on Rozier’s “under” props.

Rozier, 32, played just under 10 minutes in that game against the New Orleans Pelicans, finishing with five points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Paige Bueckers And Angel Reese Go Head-To-Head In Last Night’s Game

The Wings and Dream’s most recent contest was a thriller, considering the Georgia-based team came back from a 15-point deficit with minutes remaining in the fourth and won by one point.

Arike Ogunbowale was whistled for a Flagrant Foul 1 on Allisha Gray’s 3-point attempt, giving them not only three free-throw attempts, but possession of the ball.

Gray sank all three shots from the charity stripe, bringing the score to 80-81, and then hit a contested jumper to give Atlanta its first lead of the second half with just 15 seconds left in the game, per ESPN.

Wings player Awak Kuier missed her corner 3-point shot before time ran out, giving the Dream the win and extending their record to 17-10.

Reese Scores Another Double-Double

Gray scored 25 points during last night’s game, while Reese had 22 points and 12 rebounds, recording her 18th double-double of the season.

The Dream have now won four in a row and five of six games following a five-game losing streak earlier in the season.

The dominant win over the Wings comes after Reese’s warning to the other teams in the league: “We have 5 games going into All-Star, and any team in front of us should be scared because we’re ready, and we’re gonna continue to put our foot forward every day, watch film, get together and figure ourselves out.”

The WNBA Issues Statement On Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers’ $400 Wager On Recent Game first appeared on The Blast