Storm Apologize for Owner Comments to Sophie Cunningham Fans - Front Office Sports

What the report says

Front Office Sports reported that the Seattle Storm apologized after an alleged confrontation involving minority owner Celeste Keaton and two fans supporting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during Tuesday night’s game at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The fans were seated courtside with a sign thanking Cunningham for “speaking up for girls,” a reference to Cunningham’s recent comments opposing transgender women’s participation in women’s sports.

According to FOS, the fans told Undivided host Brandi Kruse that a woman confronted them and called them “effing insane,” and Kruse identified the woman as Keaton. Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a statement to FOS that the team was aware a co-owner had made comments to two attendees, apologized for the incident, and said the organization wants all fans to feel welcome and respected.

FOS also cited The Seattle Times as reporting that the WNBA suspended Keaton from the team’s next five home games and fined the Storm an undisclosed amount. FOS said NBA and WNBA spokespeople did not immediately respond to its request for comment.

The incident follows an ESPN profile in which Cunningham discussed her views on “protecting women’s sports,” comments that drew both criticism and support. FOS reported that some Storm fans booed Cunningham during the game, while another courtside fan displayed a “No hate” sign. Cunningham later posted on social media that people can disagree while remaining kind, praised the two fans for expressing their view, and criticized the co-owner’s alleged conduct.