Latest news with #ChineyOgwumike
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Chiney Ogwumike apologizes for racism claims after WNBA finds no evidence of fan misconduct
Chiney Ogwumike/ Image: X WNBA concludes investigation with no findings On May 28, 2025, the WNBA announced that it found no evidence to support claims of racist harassment allegedly directed at Chicago Sky star Angel Reese during a May 17 game against the Indiana Fever. The league stated: '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 statement came after allegations emerged that Reese, who is Black, had been the target of racially charged remarks from Indiana fans following a flagrant foul by Caitlin Clark. The game had ended in a 93-58 victory for the Fever. '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,' the league added. Chiney Ogwumike's original remarks and reaction Following the allegations, ESPN analyst and former WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike weighed in during an appearance on Get Up alongside Monica McNutt. Referring to the alleged racial abuse, Ogwumike said: '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… not putting more gasoline on the fire in a circumstance where we're here to appreciate the beautiful basketball. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo That's all Caitlin and Angel want you to do. Why not just continue on that?' (as reported by Awful Announcing). Ogwumike's comments drew backlash from some Indiana Fever fans, who felt unfairly implicated. Public apology and clarification by Ogwumike In response to the WNBA's findings, Ogwumike issued a 90-second video statement on X (formerly Twitter) on May 27. She expressed regret and acknowledged her responsibility: '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… if you really know me, I always try my absolute best to uplift the WNBA… But if you know me, you know I'm not afraid to say I can do better.' She added: '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… 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. 'I am so committed to be better in how I share perspectives and grow alongside the game I truly love and adore.' Reactions and fallout The apology did little to temper all criticism. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who attended the game, condemned both the WNBA's handling and ESPN's coverage: 'The 'investigation' was bulls—-. Both [the Fever] and WNBA gave [credibility] to a very obvious troll,' Portnoy posted on X. 'ESPN ran with it. Caitlin Clark had to defend her fans for no reason. You made something outta nothing. Indiana Fever fans deserve better.' Meanwhile, Ogwumike emphasized she was grateful the league took the allegations seriously and hoped to move forward: 'I am also happy that the WNBA treated the matter with the utmost seriousness and followed through with the investigation.' Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
New York Post
28-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike apologizes for hot take on WNBA racism after investigation finds nothing
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. 4 Chiney Ogwumike spoke out on the WNBA's findings from its racism investigation on May 27, 2025. X '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. 4 Allegations of racist fan behavior emerged following the Fever's home opener against the Sky on May 17, 2025. Getty Images 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. 4 It was claimed racist comments from spectators were directed toward Angel Reese. Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images 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.' 4 In her post on X, Chiney Ogwumike said, 'I'm never afraid to say that I can do better…' X 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.'
Fox News
28-05-2025
- General
- Fox News
ESPN analyst apologizes for remarks on WNBA's probe into alleged racist comments from fans
ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike apologized for remarks she made at the start of the WNBA's investigation into alleged hateful remarks toward Chicago Sky players during a game against the Indiana Fever. Ogwumike said on "Get Up" two days after the alleged incident that "if you're truly a basketball fan, you would understand and agree that we have no space for those types of comments." While The Associated Press reported that the WNBA was investigating alleged racial slurs toward Angel Reese, the league said Tuesday it was unable to substantiate those claims. Ogwumike addressed her previous comments about the situation. "I want to address this with the same energy I did the first time because if you really know me, I always try my absolute best to uplift the WNBA, to celebrate the amazing players, coaches and, of course, the fans," she said. "That is something 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. "I'm sorry my message was in the heat of the moment because when I initially spoke on the topic, it really came from a place of care. It was based on firsthand conversations with people very close to the situation who raised real concerns and told me what they had experienced. I felt like it was important and was necessary to acknowledge those allegations and also voice those experiences. "Now in the process, however, I totally recognize it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend. I'm sorry." Ogwumike added that she was happy the league took the investigation seriously. She said as the league continues to grow, she will "grow with it." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS ESPN star Chiney Ogwumike in humiliating U-turn after WNBA racism probe failed to prove Caitlin Clark fans abused Angel Reese
ESPN broadcaster Chiney Ogwumike has made a humiliating U-turn after the WNBA found no evidence of racism at the game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky earlier this month. The league announced on Tuesday night that it could not substantiate claims that racist fan behavior took place during the game in Indianapolis on May 17. They were looking into claims that racist comments were directed towards Angel Reese by fans during the loss to Caitlin Clark 's Fever. Indiana won the game 93-58. After the allegations were made, Ogwumike appeared to jump to conclusions during an appearance on ESPN show 'Get Up!' on May 19. She said: '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 for those types of comments.' Also, in a May 20 episode of her 'The Chiney Show', she said: 'Now players and coaches of the Chicago Sky have said that they heard things that were out of bounds coming from the fans in Indiana during the game. And that caused the WNBA to launch an investigation into the matter.' Now, in the aftermath of the WNBA's investigation closing, Ogwumike posted an apology on social media and admitted her comments 'impacted fans in a way that I did not intend.' In a video posted to X on Tuesday night, she said: 'Hey everybody. I'm sure you've seen the WNBA statement on the investigation. I want to address this with the same energy I did the first time, because 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. I am sorry that my message was in the heat of the moment, because 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. 'Now in the process, however, I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend, and I'm sorry. I'm also happy that the WNBA treated the matter with the utmost seriousness, followed through with the investigation, and 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 and I am so committed to be better in how I share perspectives and grow alongside the game that I truly love and adore. 'I mean, some of my favorite memories as a pro were playing in Indiana, and I truly believe the WNBA has the most passionate fans and I'm grateful for our community. I hope you know that's who I am.' The WNBA said its investigation included gathering information from fans, team and arena staff, as well as an 'audio and video review of the game.' 'We appreciate the quick action by the league and the Indiana Fever to take this matter seriously and to investigate,' Chicago Sky CEO and President Adam Fox said in a statement. 'This process demonstrates the league´s strong stance on stopping hate at all WNBA games and events, and we will continue to support those efforts.' Reese brushed aside questions about the investigation before Tuesday night´s game against the Phoenix Mercury, saying she was 'focused on the game today' and more concerned about helping the Sky earn their first win of the season after an 0-3 start. First-year coach Tyler Marsh echoed his star forward´s feelings. 'We appreciate the investigation being done and we hope that the league continues to make the steps necessary moving forward to ensure a safe environment for everyone, all players included,' Marsh said. 'But tonight, the focus is on the game.' Reese, who is Black, and Clark, who is white, were meeting for the seventh time in their ongoing - and much-talked-about - rivalry. Clark later said she did not hear any racist remarks during that game, but acknowledged that it was loud in Indiana´s arena throughout the game. 'It´s super loud in here, and though I didn´t hear anything, I think that´s why they´re doing the investigation,' Clark said earlier this month. 'That´s why they´re looking into it. That doesn´t mean nothing happened, so I´ll just trust the league´s investigation, and I´m sure they´ll do the right thing.' Reese didn't reveal what type of comments were made, or what prompted the investigation Reese was asked earlier this month if she was able to provide the WNBA with details about the incident. She did not offer specifics on if she had done so, saying 'that´s not a me question.' She also did not reveal what type of comments were made, or any other specifics about what prompted the investigation. But moments earlier, in that same availability with reporters, Reese said she was receiving widespread support from across the league because of the alleged incident. 'Obviously, there´s no place in this league for that,' Reese said at that time. 'I think the WNBA and our team and our organization has done a great job supporting me... Going through this whole process, if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.'
Cosmopolitan
23-05-2025
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
Chiney Ogwumike Interview on C-Suite Ballers
Multi-platform ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike knows exactly what it takes to excel in basketball and beyond. She has a dazzling player resume (Stanford standout! Overall No. 1 pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft! Two-time WNBA All-Star!), but she also has used the sport to craft a lane for herself to pursue her other talents and interests. "I think a lot of times people don't see athletes, or even former athletes, as having range," she tells Cosmo. But that's false, especially today when so many Black women athletes are actively pursuing and living out their multiple interests while also thriving in their sport, and even using their sport as a platform into those other endeavors. But in Chiney's role as host of the series C-Suite Ballers, she's working on changing that. The talk show series, which is powered by SheaMoisture in partnership with Uninterrupted, the athlete empowerment brand focused on telling the full scope of athletes' stories and experiences, "brings together powerful women across the sports world, from WNBA stars to analysts, influencers, and beyond," explains Kevin Tolson, head of personal care at SheaMoisture. "We see them fully," says Tolson, "not just as athletes, but as individuals, as leaders, business owners, and as culture-shapers." The Black-founded and Black-led personal care brand has always been dedicated to centering and celebrating Black womanhood, so it was a perfect alignment when it became the official skin cleansing partner of the NCAA Final Four this year. According to data from the NCAA, Black women made up nearly 30% of all women's basketball players in the 2022-2023 season, accounting for "the highest percentage of any women's sport" at the college level. And on the pro side, it's even higher: More than 70% of the WNBA is made up of Black women, per a 2022 report. "SheaMoisture has a longstanding commitment to showing up where our community is, and right now, Black women athletes are not only playing the game, they're changing it," says Kevin. "Everything is about putting Black women first. We don't want to just give Black women their flowers, we want to help them grow entire gardens." During the season 1 finale taping of C-Suite Ballers during the Final Four weekend in Tampa, the line up of guests didn't disappoint. A slew of current WNBA players popped out, like Angel Reese, Chelsea Gray, Jewell Lloyd, and more, and guests even got a to see The Big Three—Elle Duncan, Andrea Carter, and Chiney—live and in the flesh. All of the conversations were intentional, thoughtful, raw, and inspiring to the nearly all-Black female audience. "Sports is what got us started," says Chiney, "but it's also what's catapulted us." She goes on: "We have the mindset, the skillset, the determination, all those qualities that make us fierce in so many things other than just sports. So that's what I love about the series, just being able to showcase how sports and the love of hoops has allowed us to find our own lane and stand in truths." When filming wrapped, Cosmo briefly talked with Chiney about her hopes for the series, how basketball has helped facilitate her other dreams, what centering Black women in sports means and looks like for her, and more. Read the full conversation below. We talk about how sports has brought us all together, but how we have pivoted in so many different ways, to cover models to Players Association presidents to hosts and broadcasters. The list goes on. When you sit down, you know that you're safe, you're comfortable, and it's gonna be a vibe; there's no stress about it. I hope that it inspires people to know that no matter what space you enter, the energy you bring and how you carry yourself, transforms that space. It looks and feels like a space where we can be ourselves, be comfortable, lean on each other, cry to each other, but also give each other flowers. That's what I love about the series—it's showing young girls that might look elsewhere and not see themselves that this is a place to come. It's giving them an opportunity to see people in environments that they may not normally see, like Angel Reese, who was just up there. You might follow her on Instagram or watch her podcast Unapologetically Angel, but we're gonna ask you the question and we're gonna get those gems. When I'm down, I just remember that I am the only person that is me. Comparison is the thief of joy. We look at other people's pathways to success, and we're like, I want to be that person or I want to do what they're doing, not knowing that their lane is for them. Nothing can block your blessings if you stand in your own truth. My friend Andrea [Carter] reminded us of the statement during the show that, "Greatness delayed is not greatness denied," and just staying persistent to that. And then also looking at life with joy and beauty. I never thought sports would be the vehicle that allowed me to do what I'm doing or live a life I'm living. Being a talk show host is new for you, but it seems natural and effortless. How have you been engaging new muscles in this format versus being an analyst? My dream is to have my own show. I'm not saying it in a grand way—even though I am manifesting it—but I'd love to have a platform where I can lean into my voice, my expertise, and my knowledge. I've always felt like I have a mix of being able to analyze and personality, and I have a lot of friends in the industry that I love and I want to talk to them about the things that matter most. I've started doing more hosting on ESPN—when one of my teammates at ESPN is out, I host the shows. There are very few athletes that are hosts, and I would love to be one of the first on that side. This conversation was lightly edited for space and clarity.
