Miami Judge Dismisses Battery Charge Against Ogunbowale

A Miami-Dade County judge dismissed a misdemeanor battery charge against WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale on Wednesday, clearing the Dallas Wings guard of allegations stemming from an early morning arrest at a Miami nightclub two months earlier.

The charge, filed after Ogunbowale's arrest at 4:20 a.m. on March 5, accused the 29-year-old athlete of punching a man in the face during an altercation at E11EVEN nightclub. According to the arrest affidavit, the incident occurred as security personnel escorted a group, including Ogunbowale and her Mist teammates, toward a rear exit following a separate disturbance inside the club. The man reportedly fell to the ground after the alleged strike, and nightclub surveillance footage captured the encounter, police said. Ogunbowale was released later that morning after posting a $1,000 bond.

The arrest came hours after Ogunbowale helped her Unrivaled 3x3 team, Mist, win its championship on March 4. She scored 19 points in the title game and joined teammates, including Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James, in celebrating at the venue, known for hosting post-victory parties for sports teams.

Prosecutors elected not to pursue the case through a nolle...