Raven Johnson Apologizes to A’ja Wilson After Playoff Exit

Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson publicly apologized for a comment about Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, saying she was wrong and took responsibility for her words. The apology followed Indiana’s elimination by Las Vegas in Game 3 of their first-round WNBA playoff series. Johnson posted the apology on social media after a video with Fever teammate Myisha Hines-Allen drew attention during the series. In the post, Johnson said she had “nothing but love and respect” for Wilson, whom she called her “big sister 4 life,” and wished her the best. The exchange took place before the deciding game. Hines-Allen had described herself as a “ragebaiter” while discussing her approach to stirring up on-court intensity. Johnson replied, “You do it with such a smile on your face.” The moment was presented as playful, though some social media users criticized Johnson’s remark. The reports do not establish what prompted her to apologize, and they do not confirm any private conversation behind the post. Las Vegas won the deciding game Thursday, October 1, to eliminate Indiana and advance. The teams had split the first two games of the series.