Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton faces a fine and suspension from attending the team’s next five home games. The WNBA confirmed this disciplinary action to Fox News Digital.
The penalty follows an incident where Keaton allegedly used offensive language towards two teenage fans of Sophie Cunningham during a game. Brandi Kruse, an independent journalist based in Seattle, witnessed and reported the incident, accompanying the girls who attended to watch Cunningham play against the Storm.
Cunningham responded to the situation through social media, expressing her belief in inclusive environments for everyone and commending the teens for their courage. She criticized Keaton’s behavior as embarrassing and indicative of poor leadership.
Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued an apology for Keaton’s remarks, emphasizing the team’s commitment to creating a respectful atmosphere for all attendees.
The teens wore clothing supporting Cunningham’s stance on protecting women’s sports. Hopes for an enjoyable experience turned negative when they reported receiving insults during the game. Video footage capturing further confrontations with another fan circulated online, amplifying public reaction.
The controversy gained significant attention, leading public figures, including ‘Harry Potter’ author J.K. Rowling, to comment on the incident. Social media users shared the teens’ account widely.
Before the game, a rally outside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle supported Cunningham’s views. A smaller group advocating for transgender inclusion also assembled there. Kruse, who helped organize the event, reported seeing Storm players gesture dismissively towards the girls. She also claimed Keaton approached the teens, using profanities to demean them.
The alleged confrontation left one of the girls in tears. Kruse, accompanying them in the arena, pointed out the woman responsible, identifying her as Keaton, a co-owner of the team. Kruse pressured security for action regarding the violation of the arena’s conduct policies, which prohibit abusive language.
The girls, overwhelmed and uncomfortable, opted not to display their supportive signs despite no direct request to hide them. A rumor suggesting the signs were forcibly put down was refuted by Kruse.
Storm head coach Sonia Raman addressed the rally, reinforcing the venue’s safety and inclusivity, though refraining from commenting on the allegations. The Storm monitored the demonstration, aligning efforts with security for visitor protection.
The Indiana Fever distanced themselves from the rally, stating no prior knowledge or interaction with organizers. Head coach Stephanie White reiterated this stance during a press conference, redirecting focus to the game.