New York Liberty guard ejected after shoe toss hits Toronto's Marina Mabrey

In the WNBA game on July 12, 2026, the New York Liberty fell 93-91 to the Toronto team after a rare incident in the final minutes. With 1:48 left and the score tied, Liberty forward Jonquel Jones lost a shoe during a transition. Guard Betnijah Laney‑Hamilton retrieved the shoe and tossed it back toward Jones, but the shoe struck Toronto guard Marina Mabrey in the back.

Officials reviewed the play, classified the throw as a projectile, assessed a technical foul and automatically ejected Laney‑Hamilton. The resulting free throws gave Toronto the lead, which they maintained to secure the win.

After the game, Laney‑Hamilton said she was only trying to return the shoe to her teammate and had no intention of hitting anyone. Mabrey responded that she was not looking to inflame the situation, noting she was “working on not being rage‑baited.” The incident quickly went viral, becoming one of the most talked‑about moments of the WNBA season.