Champion's celebration turned chaotic as star Arike Ogunbowale faced battery charges after an alleged nightclub altercation. Details emerge.
Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale was arrested early Thursday morning in Miami after an alleged altercation at a nightclub following her team’s Unrivaled championship celebration.
According to a police complaint obtained by TMZ Sports, officers responded to reports of a physical altercation inside the E11EVEN nightclub. When authorities arrived near the rear exit of the venue, they encountered a large crowd being escorted out by security personnel.
A security guard at the scene told officers he had been attempting to escort Ogunbowale out of the club following an unrelated altercation. The guard alleged that during the process, the 29-year-old guard punched him in the face with a closed fist, causing him to fall to the ground.
The alleged victim identified Ogunbowale at the scene, and police subsequently took her into custody without incident on a battery charge. According to the report, the incident was captured on the club’s security cameras.
The arrest came just hours after Ogunbowale helped lead Mist BC to an 80–74 victory over Phantom BC in the Unrivaled league championship game. Ogunbowale scored 19 points in the title win before players later gathered in Miami to celebrate the victory.
Videos circulating on social media showed Ogunbowale partying at the club alongside fellow basketball stars Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James earlier in the evening.
The Dallas Wings released a brief statement acknowledging the situation.
“The Wings are aware of an incident involving Arike Ogunbowale and are in the process of gathering more information,” the team said. “Further comments will be provided once we have more details.”
E11EVEN Miami also released a statement but declined to comment directly on the alleged incident involving Ogunbowale.
“We are proud that E11EVEN Miami continues to be the location of choice for so many people to celebrate major moments and milestones,” the venue said in a statement. “We remain committed to providing a world-class environment that reflects the energy, excitement, and prestige of those moments.”
Ogunbowale is one of the WNBA’s most recognizable stars. The four-time All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP has spent her entire professional career with the Wings and led the league in scoring during the 2020 season. She also won a national championship with Notre Dame during her collegiate career.
More details about the incident are expected as the investigation continues.