Fans Slam ESPN After Trinity Rodman Is Introduced as Ben Shelton’s ‘Girlfriend’ at US Open Match

Fans called out ESPN for introducing Trinity Rodman as "Ben Shelton's girlfriend" as she was shown at his US Open match on Monday

"There's Trinity Rodman, also known as Ben Shelton's girlfriend, and also known as a member of the US Women's National Team," the broadcast said

Rodman made her USWNT debut in 2022 and has since won Olympic gold

Fans were not happy with the way Trinity Rodman was introduced at the US Open.

Rodman, 24, was in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, Aug. 31 as her boyfriend Ben Shelton faced Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands in the first round.

"There's Trinity Rodman," ESPN broadcasters said, "also known as Ben Shelton's girlfriend, and also known as a member of the US women's national team."

The chyron on the screen read, "Ben's girlfriend & USWNT player" as Rodman was shown in the stands.

As ESPN's cameras pointed to her, the Washington Spirit star was all smiles and appeared to be joking with her seatmate.

Fans called out the introduction in the comments of ESPN's Instagram post of the moment. "You forgot Olympic gold medalist," said one commenter. "Trin is an Olympic gold medalist, NWSL player and then Ben's girlfriend. In that order," said another with more than 3,000 likes.

Another user responded to that comment, writing, "thisssss come on @espn @espnw do better!!!!"

An additional comment read, "How about just say her credentials and then let the commentators mention she just happens to also be Ben's girlfriend. 🙄"

Rodman, who has been on the USWNT since 2022, won an Olympic gold medal with the squad at the 2024 Paris Games, scoring three goals and one assist during Team USA's gold medal run. She currently plays for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, after fighting to increase salaries for the league, and was named rookie of the year in 2021.

Rodman hasn't commented on the fan outrage this year, but during the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, the soccer star called out broadcasters for mixing up her name and focusing on her estranged father, former NBA star Dennis Rodman .

"For those who don't know, my name is TRINITY not Tiffany," the Washington Spirit forward wrote on her Instagram Stories. "Also, for Ben's matches, he has his family there as his support system, which includes his dad… my dads not even in MY life no need to bring him up during HIS matches when I don't even want him talked about during mine. It's his and his loved ones' moment. Thank you."

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Shelton won his match on Monday and will next play Hubert Hurkacz on Wednesday, Sept. 2.