Storm co-owner suspended after incident with Sophie Cunningham fans as star breaks silence on controversy
Key Points:
- Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton has been fined and suspended from attending the team's next five home games after allegedly using profane language toward two teenage fans supporting Sophie Cunningham during a recent game.
- The incident involved Keaton reportedly calling the girls "f—ing insane," which led to public backlash including condemnation from Cunningham and an apology from Storm majority owner Ginny Gilder.
- The teenagers were attending the game wearing gear supporting Cunningham's stance on protecting women's sports and faced mocking gestures from some Storm players as well as confrontation from other fans.
- Independent journalist Brandi Kruse, who accompanied the girls, confirmed the harassment and noted that arena security identified Keaton as the offending co-owner but did not eject her despite the arena's code of conduct.
- The event drew widespread attention, including commentary from author J.K. Rowling, and sparked debate over inclusion and fan conduct at WNBA games, while the Indiana Fever distanced themselves from the rally supporting Cunningham.