NBA's 'Rodman Daughter' Targeted with "Who Is His Girlfriend?" Slip-Up, Leading to Broadcaster Embarrassment... "Not an Athlete's Girlfriend, But a Gold Medalist!"

*This content was translated by AI.

U.S. media outlet ESPN faced backlash from viewers after initially introducing American women's national soccer team player Trinity Rodman (24) as the girlfriend of men's tennis player Ben Shelton (23) during a live broadcast of a tennis tournament.

The UK publication "The Sun" reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "While ESPN did mention Rodman's soccer national team background during its US Open coverage, it first introduced her as Shelton's girlfriend, provoking strong criticism from fans."

Rodman visited Arthur Ashe Stadium's spectator stands on the 31st of last month to watch her boyfriend Shelton compete in the men's singles first-round match. She beamed with joy as she watched him come back from losing the first set to win 3-1. The controversy arose when cameras focused on her. ESPN commentators introduced her on screen as "Ben Shelton's girlfriend and a U.S. national team player," while on-screen graphics also led with the title "Ben's Girlfriend."

Viewers criticized the broadcaster for diminishing Rodman's impressive record as a 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist and a key player in the U.S. women's professional soccer league (NWSL). On social media (SNS), fans poured out criticism with comments such as "They should have mentioned her gold medal record first," "She is far more accomplished than just being labeled someone's girlfriend," and "ESPN needs to raise its broadcasting standards."

This was not the first time the broadcast team committed a faux pas toward Rodman. During last year's 2025 Wimbledon tournament, a commentator mistakenly called her name "Tiffany" and referenced her estranged father, former U.S. professional basketball (NBA) player Dennis Rodman, sparking controversy.

At that time, Rodman corrected the record on her social media (SNS), stating, "My name is not Tiffany; it's Trinity." She further expressed displeasure by adding, "My father is not part of my life. There was no need to bring him up during Ben's match. This is now about Ben and his family."

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*This content was translated by AI.