Is ESPN Now Banned in Albany, NY Bars After Harsh Rebecca Lobo Comments?

Earlier this week all eyes were on Albany, New York as the LSU Tigers and Iowa Hawkeyes met up for a rivalry game on the biggest stage for the Women's NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Angel Reese Vs. Caitlin Clark. You couldn't write up a scenario like this, all happening in the great state of New York.

However, one ESPN host's words are causing backlash from the Capital Region.

Rebecca Lobo Dunks on Albany, NY

Hall of Famer WNBA player and ESPN play-by-play announcer Rebecca Lobo was front and center for the LSU-Iowa game at the MVP Arena in Albany on Monday night, April 1st, 2024. Lobo along with Ryan Ruocco were calling the exciting game.

At halftime, the teams were tied 45-45. Iowa ended up beating LSU 94-87 and according to The Athletic "Iowa’s win over LSU was the most-watched women’s basketball game in history" with 12.3 million viewers.

Think about all those people watching, and then think back to what Rebecca Lobo said during the game (with 12.3 million people watching!!).

During the game,  Ruocco mentioned that Caitlin Clark had said something along the lines of "my family keeps reaching out to me and I said I'm staying in my room, go find something fun to do in Albany" to which Lobo replied:

“And, by the way, good luck finding something to do in Albany.”

After those words left her mouth, the internet and viewers were going nuts. And now, one Albany, NY bar is getting revenge.

Is The War Room Tavern Banning ESPN?

In a press release following Monday's game, the owner of The War Room Tavern Todd Shapiro, in Albany called for a ban on ESPN. The statement goes on to explain Shapiro was "infuriated" by Lobo's comments.

Shapiro "Called for all bars and restaurants to cancel their subscription to ESPN and for Lobo to issue a formal apology to the City of Albany."

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So, did Rebecca Lobo apologize?

Rebecca Lobo Takes to Social Media to Apologize to Albany, NY

Quickly after her Albany quip went viral, Lobo took to X (formally known as Twitter) with an apology:

Sounds like it's time for Rebecca Lobo and The War Room Tavern to shake hands and have a drink as friends!

But while we're on the topic, can you share with us your favorite FUN thing to do in Albany?