Fans Convinced Traded Player Took Veiled Shot At Chicago Sky

Former Chicago Sky player Marina Mabrey caused a stir online when she heaped praise on her current team, the Connecticut Sun. For many in the Windy City, Mabrey appeared to take a shot at the franchise.

Speaking to reporters before their Tuesday game against the Los Angeles Sparks in Boston, Mabrey admitted that it's the first time in her career that she's been part of a roster with a "championship mindset."

"Being a part of a team like this that is so disciplined with a championship mindset, I haven’t been a part of that yet," Mabrey shared.

For what it's worth, Mabrey has played for three different teams in her WNBA career before landing with the Sun: the Sparks, Dallas Wings and the Sky. With that said, it's not as if she's throwing shade at any team in particular. Clearly, she's simply hyping up her current squad, which is one of the best teams in the league with a 20-7 record.

However, since she's fresh from a stint with the Sky, who granted her request to be traded before the Olympic break last July, many Chicago fans deemed her remarks a subtle shot at the team.

"I need the Chicago Sky to take this matchup personal this Friday," a fan shared on X along with a photo of Mabrey that showed her quote. The post garnered plenty of reactions, with many agreeing that it's a shade toward the Sky franchise.

"Shots fired SKY!!!" a social media user commented. Another one said, "Ouch. I would definitely take that personal if I were a Sky player."

A surprised social media user added, "damn ... she hiding some tea apparently."

"As a Chicago Sky Fan I wish ALL Success...but shade is shade! Starting to feel irritation..." a commenter added.

"It's pretty clear she's saying Angel is immature and cares about personal stats over team success," a fifth follower said.

Others defended Marina Mabrey and argued that she's right since the Sky are a rebuilding franchise. Some also blamed the organization and criticized its poor management.

Whatever the case may be, Friday's meeting between Connecticut and Chicago should show whether or not Mabrey made the right choice. The Sun will host the Sky at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

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