Chiney Ogwumike (Photo By Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Chiney Ogwumike has spent the past several years carving out a strong presence as a basketball analyst on ESPN. From “SportsCenter” to “Get Up,” the former WNBA All-Star has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate voice in the game. But this week, she’s facing a wave of criticism that some viewers say should cost her the job.

Ogwumike sparked backlash after making comments on May 19 about alleged fan behavior during a game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever. The league announced it would investigate claims of racism and inappropriate remarks from fans in the crowd.

Ogwumike, speaking on ESPN’s “Get Up,” responded with pointed commentary that many believed jumped the gun before the facts came out.

Viewer Backlash Builds After Unproven Allegations

ESPN Under Pressure To Dismiss WNBA Analyst Chiney OgwumikeChiney Ogwumike (Photo Via Instagram/@chiney)

“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,” Chiney Ogwumike said during the broadcast.

 

She also stated that coaches and players from the Sky heard things from fans that were “out of bounds.” But after a full review, the WNBA said it could not substantiate those allegations. That revelation led to a public apology from Chiney Ogwumike earlier this week, which she delivered in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter).

“I am sorry that my message was in the heat of the moment,” she said. “It came from a place of care. It was based on firsthand conversations with people very close to the situation. I totally recognize that it may have impacted fans in a way that I did not intend.”

Despite the apology, several ESPN viewers have called it insincere. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for accountability.

“You didn’t make a mistake. You lied multiple times. Your apology is fake,” one user posted.

Another wrote, “You are one of the biggest spreaders of hate in the WNBA.”

Some fans even argue that the league should investigate those who circulated the initial claims, starting with Ogwumike. Still, ESPN has not announced any disciplinary action. In fact, Ogwumike is scheduled to appear on “First Take” and other shows this week. For now, she remains on the air, but the heat around her comments hasn’t cooled off.