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Storm Apologize After Co-Owner Confronts Fans

ESPN General •
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The Seattle Storm apologized Wednesday after co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted two fans during Tuesday's 105-95 home loss to the Indiana Fever. The incident followed a demonstration outside Climate Pledge Arena where a few dozen people gathered to support Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and promote statewide ballot initiative IL26-638, which would bar transgender students from girls' athletics in Washington schools.

Some protesters carried signs supporting Cunningham or wore shirts depicting XX and XY chromosomes. According to Brandi Kruse of unDivided Pod.com, Keaton directed expletives at two courtside fans holding a sign thanking Cunningham "for speaking up for girls." Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder issued a statement apologizing and affirming the organization's commitment to an inclusive environment where every fan feels welcome and respected.

Cunningham was not made available postgame; Fever coach Stephanie White and players Kelsey Mitchell and Monique Billings addressed media instead. A Fever PR representative stated neither the organization nor Cunningham had knowledge of the demonstration. Storm coach Sonia Raman said the organization worked with Climate Pledge Arena security to ensure everyone felt safe, included, and welcome.