A night at the arena has cost a government staffer her job. Former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry is no longer in her role as a press adviser at the State Department, after footage of her throwing a drink at a Wizards game went viral. frontofficesports
What happened at the game
The incident took place at the Washington Wizards’ home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, October 21, at Capital One Arena. Video obtained by TMZ showed McHenry throwing the contents of her drink at a man seated near her, as spectators jeered. As she left, she was booed and blew kisses. Britt McHenry Fired After Drink-Throwing Incident At NBA Game +2
What led up to it (the accounts differ)
Reports say spectators behind McHenry made inappropriate comments. Additional footage appeared to show a drink being thrown toward her before she tossed hers into the crowd. These accounts come from video and unnamed sources, and no one has independently confirmed what was said. iheartyahoo
Her exit from the State Department
McHenry told Front Office Sports that she signed a resignation letter. A State Department spokesperson said the agency doesn’t comment on internal personnel matters. One source told Page Six she was “forced to resign.” That’s an unnamed source, and the department hasn’t confirmed it. The State Department has not confirmed whether McHenry was forced to resign. Reports also differ on the date, with some saying Thursday and ABC saying Friday. Britt McHenry Out at Trump Admin After Viral Drink-Throwing Incident +3
Her role
McHenry was hired as a State Department press adviser covering Europe and Africa. She first posted about her new role on LinkedIn on September 8. A source said she had been promoted the day before she was asked to leave, which is also unconfirmed. Britt McHenry resigns from State Department after throwing drink at fan during NBA game +2
Her background
McHenry was an NFL reporter for ESPN from 2014 to 2017 and a commentator for Fox News from 2018 until 2022. In 2015, ESPN suspended her for one week after a video showing her berating a clerk at a towing company went viral. frontofficesportsyahoo
A friend’s defense
A close friend defended her, calling it “an unfortunate situation.” I didn’t find a detailed public statement from McHenry herself. yahoo
What it doesn’t mean
No report I found says she was charged with anything, and none says she was banned from the arena. There’s no indication that she has been banned from attending future games. iheart
Bottom line
One drink, one video, and a short tenure at a new job. The full story, including what the other fans said and did, isn’t settled.
