ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike said Tuesday she is “committed” to being better about sharing perspectives in light of comments made regarding alleged racist fan behavior exhibited at a Fever-Sky game on May 17, to which a WNBA investigation found no evidence.
Shortly after the WNBA addressed its findings in a statement Tuesday, noting they “have not substantiated” claims of racist remarks from fans, Ogwumike spoke on the matter in a 90-second clip on X, where she vowed to grow as the league continues to evolve.
“Hey everybody, I’m sure you’ve seen the WNBA statement on the investigation and I want to address this with the same energy I did the first time, cause if you really know me, I always try my absolute best to uplift the WNBA, to celebrate the amazing players, the coaches, and of course, the fans, that is something that is at the core of everything that I do. But if you know me, you know I’m not afraid to say I can do better,” said Ogwumike, who began her WNBA career with the Sun in 2014.
“I am sorry that my message was in the heat of the moment, cause when I initially spoke on the topic, it really came from a place of care. It was based on first-hand conversations with people very close to the situation who raised real concerns, and they told me what they had experienced, and I felt like it was important and it was necessary to acknowledge those allegations and also voice those experiences.”
During the Fever’s home opener against the Sky, Caitlin Clark was issued a flagrant foul against Angel Reese, who tried to approach the Indiana star in the aftermath.
Allegations later emerged that racist comments from fans were aimed at Reese during the Fever’s 93-58 win, with the WNBA opening an investigation.
Ogwumike, a two-time WNBA All-Star who has also played for the Sparks, spoke on the alleged behavior during an appearance on “Get Up” last week with Monica McNutt.
“When it comes to the racism and the hateful rhetoric and the statement that the WNBA is saying, I think it’s important because at the end of the day, if you’re truly a basketball fan, you would understand and agree that we have no space in our game for those types of comments, and also, not putting more gasoline on the fire in a circumstance where we’re here to appreciate the beautiful basketball. That’s all Caitlin and Angel want you to do. Why not just continue on that?” she said, as covered by Awful Announcing.
Reflecting Tuesday, Ogwumike said, “I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend, and I’m sorry. “
“… I understand that having a platform comes with a responsibility and I do not take that lightly. So as our league continues to grow, I am going to grow with it,” she said on X. “I am so committed to be better in how I share perspectives and grow alongside the game I truly love and adore. I mean, some of my favorite memories as a pro was playing in Indiana, and I truly believe that WNBA, we have the most passionate fans and I am grateful for our community. I hope you know, that’s who I am.”
In a statement Tuesday, the WNBA concluded that “based on information gathered to date, including from relevant fans, team and arena staff, as well as audio and video review of the game, we have not substantiated it.
“The WNBA is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone and will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our fan code of conduct.”
