‘Grand Opening, Grand Closing,’ ‘She Might Need Help’ — Fans React as Ex-ESPN Star Turned Trump Staffer Loses Job After Throwing Drink at NBA Game
‘Grand Opening, Grand Closing,’ ‘She Might Need Help’ — Fans React as Ex-ESPN Star Turned Trump Staffer Loses Job After Throwing Drink at NBA Game
Michael Macasero Sat, October 24, 2026 at 5:07 AM UTC
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Britt McHenry resigns from her State Department role after a drink-throwing incident at a Wizards game, drawing sharp reactions online.
Former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry has left her State Department job after she was filmed throwing a drink toward a fan at the Washington Wizards’ home opener. McHenry told Front Office Sports on Friday that she signed a resignation letter.
Her departure came shortly after a reported promotion within President Donald Trump’s administration and drew mixed reactions from fans online.
Fans React to Britt McHenry’s Resignation After Wizards Game Incident
Page Six reported that McHenry was promoted Wednesday to lead external affairs and press for Under Secretary Jacob Helberg’s team. The outlet added Friday, citing a source, that she had been forced to resign on Thursday.
The quick turnaround caught the attention of sports observers.
One fan responded: “Grand opening, grand closing.” Another wrote, “Only the best and the brightest.”
The confrontation took place Wednesday night during Washington’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Capital One Arena. Footage published by TMZ showed McHenry arguing with nearby spectators, and additional footage appeared to show a drink being thrown toward her before she tossed hers toward the crowd.
Sources close to McHenry told TMZ that nearby spectators had made inappropriate and misogynistic remarks.
One fan expressed concern about her behavior, writing, “I’ve always kind of rooted for her. But this is two plum jobs she’s now lost,” before adding that she might need help.
ESPN suspended McHenry for a week in 2015 after video surfaced of her berating a towing company employee. One fan recalled that controversy, writing that “this whole situation is the least surprising thing this week.”
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Newsweek reported that footage from Wednesday’s game also showed McHenry arguing with a security guard who appeared to be directing her to leave the arena. Sources close to McHenry maintained that she was not ejected and chose to leave.
RELATED: ‘An Unfortunate Situation’ – Close Friend Rushes to Britt McHenry’s Defense as Viral Drink Toss Costs Ex-ESPN Star Her Job in Trump Administration
Another fan questioned the handling of the incident: “She was allowed to walk out after throwing a drink in someone’s face in public? But at least now there’s a repercussion.”
One fan defended McHenry, pointing to reports that spectators had also thrown objects at her. “THIS is what gets someone fired in this administration? A woman defending another woman.”
Andrew Fenichel, McHenry’s friend who attended the game with her, described the confrontation in a video posted to X on Friday.
“It was just one big miscommunication, one big misunderstanding. We’re in our section. There are some rowdy fans around us, you know, one person says one thing, Britt responds. It just takes off from there… misogynistic things are being said one way.
“I wish I handled things differently myself,” Fenichel added. “I’m not here to speak for Britt or speak for her perspective… I was trying to just broker the peace.”
The State Department has not confirmed whether McHenry was forced to resign. A spokesperson told Front Office Sports on Friday that the agency does not comment on internal personnel matters.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
