Halftime entertainer Red Panda injured during WNBA performance
Niu has delighted basketball fans in numerous NBA, college basketball and WNBA venues since her debut in 1993. The "Red Panda" rides a seven-foot-tall unicycle while catching and balancing a large number of metal bowls on her head during her act.
Reporters for MinnPost and ESPN confirmed that Niu took a hard spill, falling from her unicycle during Tuesday's performance. The popular performer laid still for some time, cradling her left wrist before being taken off the court in a wheelchair.
Once called "the best halftime act in basketball" by Dime Magazine, Niu retired in 2013 to support her father while he battled cancer. She practiced occasionally during this timeframe and suffered her first wrist injury.
After she mourned her father's death due to esophageal cancer and helped her mother deal with an illness, Niu made her return in 2015 as she revealed in a "Sports on Earth" interview that she couldn't stay away.
"I missed it," Niu said. "The crowd. The energy. The challenge. From my heart, I feel like this is a part of my home. Although I lost my father, I still have this part of my life with me, just like before."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
WNBA star Caitlin Clark's newly launched Kobe V Protro were listed at higher prices on eBay
Caitlin Clark, Image via Getty Images Indiana Fever's star Caitlin Clark has been making headlines for all the right reasons. The popular WNBA icon's recent collaboration with the reputed apparel brand Nike officially introduced Clark to the global athleisure market. Caitlin Clark's Kobe V Protro was sold off within minutes of its launch on Tuesday. Therefore, it's evident that the popularity of Kobe Bryant and Caitlin Clark has accelerated the unbelievable sale of Nike's vibrant sneakers. Reportedly, the shoes were sold at a much higher price on eBay. Caitlin Clarks' new sneaker line Kobe V Protro gets off the shelf almost within minutes of its launch According to the reputed media outlet TMZ, only a few lucky ones were able to purchase the recently launched Kobe V Protro. Reportedly, the ones who were able to buy the Kobe V Protro went on to list the shoes on eBay. In a twist of events, a few people bought Caitlin Clark's newly launched shoes only to put them on eBay for a much higher price. Sadly, the demand for the Kobe V Protro can be one of the reasons behind the strange act of people putting it on eBay at a much greater price. Reportedly, the Kobe V Protro, priced at $190, dropped Monday morning and sold out almost instantly. Those fortunate enough to grab a pair didn't waste any time—some quickly listed them on eBay with buy-it-now prices soaring to $400! During an appearance on the widely watched podcast New Heights hosted by Jason Kelce and popular NFL star Travis Kelce, WNBA star Caitlin Clark spoke about her fascination with shoes based on Kobe Bryant. She believes that they are the greatest of all time shoes ever introduced in the history of Basketball. On being asked about her favourite sports shoes, Clark instantly replied- "I only wear Kobes.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My baby is in so much pain, please help us? Donate For Health Donate Now Undo However, in recent years, a growing number of WNBA players have launched their own signature sneakers, reflecting the league's increasing popularity. Sheryl Swoopes paved the way with the Nike Air Swoopes, and more recently, Sabrina Ionescu's "Nike Sabrina 2" has earned high praise from fans and critics alike. Also Read: 'Good luck charm for them' - Fans hail Caitlin Clark's presence led to the Indiana Pacers victory at Game 3 Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Mint
4 hours ago
- Mint
Sophie Cunningham twerks her heart out after Indiana Fever's first Commissioner's Cup win; watch
The Indiana Fever weren't just playing for a trophy - they were playing for history. And when they sealed their first-ever Commissioner's Cup title with a commanding 74-59 win over the Minnesota Lynx, the celebration that followed said it all. According to TMZ, inside the locker room, the mood turned electric. Players danced, laughed, and popped champagne, live-streaming the entire moment. At the heart of it was Sophie Cunningham. The 28-year-old guard, who dropped 13 points in the final, was seen dancing in front of a teammate's Instagram Live, twerking to cheers and laughs. The clip quickly caught fire online. It was a big night for the team - and not just for the bragging rights. With the Commissioner's Cup win, players are set to split a $500,000 prize pool. So when the final buzzer went off, the real party began. Even Caitlin Clark, who missed the game due to injury, made sure she didn't miss the fun. As her teammate Sydney Colson entered the locker room, Clark snuck up and doused her with champagne. The moment, caught on video, had teammates cracking up. There were lighter moments too - like the locker room playlist sparking debate. At one point, Clark asked for Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club to be skipped. The banter, the beats, and the bubbly made for a night the Fever won't forget. Cunningham is quickly becoming a fan favourite. Last month, she drew attention for stepping in during a heated moment against Connecticut, confronting Jacy Sheldon after Clark took a hard foul. That on-court fire, combined with Tuesday's locker room energy, is cementing her place in the league's spotlight. The Fever's Commissioner's Cup win is a milestone. For a team that's still rebuilding and developing young talent, this tournament victory sends a clear message - they're coming into their own. With momentum building and players like Cunningham and Clark at the centre of it, Indiana's season just got a lot more exciting. Q1. What is the Commissioner's Cup? It's a mid-season tournament in the WNBA. Q2. How much did Indiana Fever win? The winning team splits a prize pool of $500,000. Q3. Why wasn't Caitlin Clark playing in the final? Caitlin Clark is recovering from an injury but joined her teammates for the post-game celebration.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
'I was walking around naked': WNBA star Cameron Brink reveals unfiltered truth about going fully nude for Players magazine
Image via Getty WNBA star Cameron Brink recently surprised fans with a bold moment off the court. Although many know her for her ability with the Los Angeles Sparks, her most recent action has nothing to do with basketball. A behind-the-scenes tale from a photo shoot that even her mother knew not about was disclosed in a fresh podcast episode. The details, and Brink's reaction, caught many people off guard. What really happened behind the scenes of Cameron Brink's Players magazine shoot On a new episode of Cameron Brink's podcast, 'Straight to Cam,' aired in June 2025, Cameron Brink, 23, spoke openly about posing fully naked during a fashion photo shoot. The shoot was for Players magazine, a newly launched sports and fashion publication. Cameron Brink explained that the idea of being nude didn't bother her at all. 'I'm usually pretty open,' she said on the podcast. The discussion happened with her mom, Michelle Brink, and her Los Angeles Sparks teammate, Dearica Hamby. The photo shoot happened earlier in 2025. Cameron Brink mentioned that during one of the shots, she had nothing on. 'I was walking around naked,' she said, smiling, adding that everyone present was either a woman or someone she felt safe around. She said she trusted the photographers and creative team on set. 'When they have a vision, I like the artistry of it all,' she explained. One striking image from the shoot showed Brink holding a lit match in her mouth like a cigarette. Her mother, Michelle, said the photo made people 'do a double take.' But Michelle was shocked to learn during the podcast that her daughter had been completely nude for part of the shoot. 'You were?' she asked in surprise. Cameron Brink laughed and responded, 'Yeah,' adding that it felt no different than walking around in the team's locker room. Michelle Brink and Dearica Hamby react to Cameron Brink's bold move on podcast Michelle Brink, a former basketball player herself, joined her daughter on the podcast episode and was clearly caught off guard. She had seen the photos but didn't know Cameron was fully nude during the shoot. Dearica Hamby, 31, also joined the conversation and added her own thoughts. She joked that when walking around the locker room, she usually covers herself. 'I'm not at that comfort level,' she laughed. Michelle agreed, saying she never got used to that as an athlete either. Cameron Brink later mentioned that it might be a generational difference. She also talked about how being open like this is fun and artistic for her. The episode gave fans a new look into how she views body confidence and creativity beyond basketball. Also Read: WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Kobe Sneakers Sell Out In Seconds Sparking Massive Bidding War On EBay Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
