When news first broke about alleged racist behavior at a recent WNBA game, ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike spoke out strongly.
But after the league’s investigation found no proof of racist fan conduct during the Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky matchup, she has now taken a step back and apologized.
The Incident That Sparked Concern
The whole situation began with claims that Angel Reese, star forward for the Chicago Sky, was targeted with racist comments by fans during the May 17 game in Indianapolis.
The Fever dominated that day, beating the Sky 93-58.
Those allegations quickly drew national attention and prompted the WNBA to launch a formal inquiry.
Ogwumike, a well-known WNBA analyst and former player, had voiced her immediate support for Reese and condemned any hateful rhetoric.
On ESPN’s “Get Up!” just two days after the game, she emphasized the importance of standing against racism in sports.
She also mentioned on her own show that players and coaches had reportedly overheard offensive remarks, further fueling the call for an investigation.
WNBA Investigation Finds No Evidence of Racism
After thoroughly reviewing the incident, the WNBA announced it could not confirm the claims of racist fan behavior.
Their probe involved collecting statements from fans, team personnel, and arena staff, as well as carefully analyzing audio and video footage from the game.
This conclusion led Ogwumike to publicly address her earlier comments, admitting they may have unintentionally affected fans and others who care about the league.
Chiney Ogwumike Issues Apology and Reflects on Her Role
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Ogwumike expressed regret over how her initial reaction played out.
She explained that her remarks came from a place of genuine concern after talking with people close to the situation.
But she acknowledged that she could have handled things differently.
“I always try to uplift the WNBA, celebrate the players and fans, and that’s at the core of everything I do,” she said.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with having a platform, and I’m committed to growing alongside the league and being more thoughtful in how I share perspectives.”
She also reminded fans that some of her favorite career memories were made playing in Indiana and that she deeply values the passionate community around the league.
Reactions From the WNBA and Teams Involved
Chicago Sky’s CEO Adam Fox praised the investigation and the league’s strong stance against hate at games.
“This process shows the WNBA’s commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone involved,” he said.
Angel Reese herself declined to comment on the investigation ahead of a recent game against the Phoenix Mercury, focusing instead on the team’s performance and quest for their first win of the season.
First-year coach Tyler Marsh echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of safety for all players moving forward.
The Ongoing Rivalry and Context of the Game
The contested match was the seventh meeting between Reese and Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s star who is white.
Clark said she didn’t hear any racist remarks but understood why the league took the claims seriously given the arena’s intense atmosphere.
“It’s super loud in here,” Clark explained, “and even though I didn’t hear anything, I trust the league’s investigation and believe they’ll handle it properly.”
Angel Reese’s Response to the Allegations and Support from the League
When asked if she had provided the league with details about the alleged incident, Reese remained guarded, noting it wasn’t her place to share specifics publicly.
However, she did acknowledge the support she has received from across the WNBA community during the investigation.
“There’s no place for that kind of behavior in this league,” Reese said, praising the support from her team and the organization.
“If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone, and that’s why it’s important to stand against it.”