No, Sydney Colson Was Not Suspended—But the WNBA Did Take Action After Referee Controversy

A wave of online misinformation sent WNBA fans into a frenzy this week after a viral headline claimed: “WNBA Commissioner Suspends Sydney Colson After Ref Scandal Exposed!” The headline, though sensational, is entirely false. No such suspension has occurred, and Sydney Colson remains an active member of the Indiana Fever roster.

The misleading claim appears to stem from confusion following a controversial game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury on August 7, 2025. That matchup sparked league-wide outrage over inconsistent and questionable officiating. In response, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that three referees had been suspended for their performance during the game. However, no players—let alone Colson—were disciplined.

“The integrity of the game is paramount,” Engelbert stated in a press release. “When officiating falls short of our standards, we will act accordingly to protect competitive fairness.”

The Origin of the Confusion

Shortly after the league announced the referee suspensions, a misleading video began circulating on social media. The thumbnail falsely implied that Colson was suspended for her criticism of the officiating, prompting a flood of speculation. However, reputable outlets such as CBS Sports and Sportskeeda have confirmed that Colson has not been suspended and was not under league investigation.

In fact, Colson has been one of the most vocal supporters of her teammates—especially star guard Kelsey Mitchell—who many believe has faced unfair treatment from referees throughout the season.

“The way she [Mitchell] gets assaulted every game is insane,” Colson said on social media, reacting to what she and fans saw as a lack of protection for Mitchell during the Fever-Mercury matchup. “There has to be some accountability.”

These comments, while bold, did not violate any league policy and were not met with any disciplinary response.

Fan Reactions and the Spread of False Headlines

Despite the facts, the initial viral headline gained traction on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, with edited thumbnails and AI-generated voices making it appear legitimate. One widely circulated video falsely claimed that both Engelbert and Colson had been suspended—a claim that was debunked by multiple fact-checking sites.

“Cathy Engelbert has not been suspended. I’m sorry if you believed a video … but those videos are lies! Not real!” wrote FanSided in a debunking article.

The Real Story: Officials Held Accountable

While Colson has faced no consequences, the referees involved in the controversial game have. According to the league’s official statement, the suspended officials will undergo review and retraining before being eligible to return for postseason assignments.

For now, Colson continues to play—and speak—freely, standing up for her teammates and calling for fair treatment across the league. Her advocacy highlights a growing demand among WNBA players and fans for consistent officiating and accountability—demands the league is beginning to take more seriously.

As for the viral rumors? They serve as a cautionary tale about misinformation in the digital age—and the importance of verifying before sharing.