ESPN star Chiney Ogwumike in humiliating U-turn after WNBA racism probe failed
By MAX WINTERS
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.'
ESPN broadcaster Chiney Ogwumike has been forced into a humiliating U-turn after the WNBA found no evidence of racism at the game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky
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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.'
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They were looking into claims that racist comments were directed towards Reese by fans
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'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 takes a hard foul from Clark in the second half of the Fever-Sky game on May 17
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.'
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