ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe has been getting a lot of heat for her comments on JuJu Watkins.
Rowe has been recognized as a fan-favorite within the women’s basketball community. But unfortunately, she’s facing significant criticism for comments made during the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
While covering a first-round game between the University of Southern California (USC) and UNC Greensboro, Rowe referred to the atmosphere at JuJu Watkins’ home games as reminiscent of the BET Awards.
“She is a cultural icon here in L.A. I was at a game here last year, and I thought I was at the BET Awards. It was like every star in that community was there,” the ESPN reporter said.
LMAOOO THIS IS CRAZY https://t.co/7OdEsTfl29 pic.twitter.com/mOA1RmM6hM
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) March 22, 2025
However, this comment has since provoked backlash, with many deeming it “inappropriate” and even bordering on offensive due to its implications and context.
Critics have expressed that comparing a basketball game to the BET Awards inherently reduces Watkins’ impact and maintains stereotypes. Sportscaster Kelsey Nelson emphasized that such a comparison should never be deemed acceptable. She pointed out the insensitivity of the remark and noted that JuJu Watkins is much more than merely a cultural icon.
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Also Read: Everyone’s Saying The Exact Same Thing About Rising College Basketball Coach Molly Miller
Holly Rowe Under Major Social Media Fire For Her Comments On JuJu Watkins
While Rowe has not publicly addressed the fallout from her comment, she has expressed concern for Watkins following her injury. She sent love to the WNBA star and wished for recovery.
However, the fans on social media have taken things into their own hands and demanded an apology. While some of them got offended with the comment, some did not find anything wrong in the analogy.
“She violated,” a fan commented.
She violated
— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) March 22, 2025
“Holly gone get a few calls from her black friends,” another fan wrote.
Holly gone get a few calls from her black friends
— C HENRY (@CHEN313) March 22, 2025
“That’s a bad sign,” a third fan said.
That’s a bad sign
— R.Street (Coach Street)🏁 (@CRGSPORTSLLC) March 23, 2025
Although, despite the backlash, many fans came in her support and broke down what exactly she meant.
“Yall be reaching, that was actually a compliment to our culture. California is known for it’s Hip Hop legacy and stars. What was she supposed to say the NAACP convention?” a fan wrote.
Yall be reaching, that was actually a compliment to our culture. California is known for it's Hip Hop legacy and stars. What was she supposed to say the NAACP convention?
— Gerald Harris (@GHurricane) March 26, 2025
“yea you might wanna do a little research on Holly Rowe before you start down this road,” said another one.
yea you might wanna do a little research on Holly Rowe before you start down this road
— c wright (@chesswright2) March 23, 2025
“Understand being sensitive , but this Much Ado About Nothing. At the game she is referencing, it was USC vs UCLA it was a lot of black Hollywood/Athletes at the game. Sanaa , Kevin Hart, Westbrook etc,” a user elaborated.
Understand being sensitive , but this Much Ado About Nothing. At the game she is referencing, it was USC vs UCLA it was a lot of black Hollywood/Athletes at the game. Sanaa , Kevin Hart, Westbrook etc.
— Rod Jarrett (@RJ1525) March 22, 2025
As a veteran sports journalist who has been with ESPN since 1998, Rowe has extensive experience covering various sports. Yet, internet fans got a little offended by her comments.
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