LOS ANGELES-- Nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike spent 11 seasons of her storied career in Los Angeles, winning a championship and an MVP for the Sparks in 2016. Now a member of the Seattle Storm, the future Hall-of-Famer imposed her will on her former franchise–racking up a dominant 26 points in 27 minutes in Tuesday’s victory.
But more important than her performance on the court, Ogwumike’s poignant statements off the court after the victory showed her level of reverence, knowledge, and empathy for a city she called home for more than a decade.
The former MVP spoke candidly about the ongoing ICE protests in the city of Los Angeles, saying that there has been “federal unrest” as opposed to “social unrest” in the city.
“The protests have been quite peaceful at large, not just in LA…even in my hometown in Houston,” the former MVP told the Sporting Tribune post-game. “It’s very disappointing to see that the freedom of that expression is being not only weaponized, but also is in danger.”
WATCH her full response below:
Ogwumike also gave affection to her former Sparks teammate and fellow champion Candace Parker–who’s jersey will be retired in Crypto.com Arena at the Sparks’ next home game on June 29th.
“I’m not Nneka without [Candace Parker],” Ogwumike shared pre-game, “ I came here, I learned so much from C.P. I was able to win with her, I was able to witness her make history in so many different ways…I mean it’s something we all knew was going to happen, but I’m glad it’s happening as soon as it is.”
WATCH below:
Seattle improves to 7-5 after the 98-67 victory, while the hobbled Sparks fall to 4-9 before a road trip beginning with 11-1 Minnesota on June 21st, Chicago (3-8), and Indiana (6-5) before returning home for another match against the Sky on June 29th.