Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson issued a public apology Friday for comments she made in a video alongside teammate Myisha Hines-Allen during the first-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces.

In the clip, Hines-Allen leaned into her physical and mental approach against A'ja Wilson, describing herself as a "ragebaiter" who thrives on chaos and setting a tone. Johnson, standing beside her, responded positively.

"Yeah, and you do it with such a smile on your face. Like, always smiling."

After the Fever were eliminated in Game 3, the exchange drew criticism online. Some viewed Johnson's remarks as disrespectful toward Wilson, the four-time MVP and fellow South Carolina Gamecock. Johnson addressed it directly on X.

"I sincerely apologize for the comments I made during the video with MHA. What I said was wrong, and I take full responsibility for my words," she wrote. "I have nothing but love and respect for my big sister 4 life A'ja, and I truly wish her nothing but the best."

Johnson, a two-time national champion at South Carolina in 2022 and 2024, was selected by the Fever in the 2026 draft. The 5-foot-8 guard carved out a meaningful role as a rookie, particularly for her defensive energy and hustle, earning expanded minutes late in the regular season and contributing in the playoffs, including a strong Game 1 showing off the bench.

Johnson's decision to apologize publicly and specifically call Wilson her "big sister" reflected both accountability and the shared connection between them. Wilson has long served as a central figure for South Carolina players entering the WNBA, and Johnson's wording acknowledged that relationship even while owning responsibility for her earlier comments.

Dawn Staley stands firmly behind Raven Johnson

When Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson issued her public apology to A'ja Wilson, one of the strongest responses came from her former college coach, and she didn't hesitate.

"Ray Ray I love you for life. You are a young talent that's owning this moment. You did something in public and decided to apologize in public no matter who agrees or disagrees," Dawn Staley shared on X. "Always remember your Gamecock sisters will have love for you!" 

The message carried extra significance given that Staley coached both Johnson and Wilson at South Carolina, guiding Johnson through two national titles in 2022 and 2024.

The support also reflected the culture Staley has built at South Carolina, where former players remain connected long after leaving the program. For Johnson, navigating her first WNBA season under heavy scrutiny, the public backing from her former coach offered real reassurance at a sensitive moment.

Do you think Johnson's public apology was the right way to handle the backlash, or did the comments not warrant this level of attention? 

Written by

Zaid Quraishi