Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White recently missed the team’s game against the Chicago Sky on Saturday, June 7. Assistant coach Austin Kelly stepped up in her absence, and the Fever won the game.
White did not travel to Chicago with the team, and the reason for her absence was initially unknown. On Sunday night for Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, White’s partner, Lisa Salters, was also absent from the broadcast. Now, new details have emerged about their respective absences.
ESPN Makes Official Statement About Lisa Salters’ Status for NBA Finals
In a statement to Front Office Sports, ESPN said, “Lisa is attending to a personal matter. We send her our best.” Similarly, the Fever also announced that White would miss the game against the Sky on June 7 due to “personal reasons.”
It was initially unclear what the couple was going through, but their colleagues and close friends have been sending heart-touching messages regarding their sudden absence.
However, ESPN’s broadcast for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday evening shed some light on the situation.
“Lisa’s mom has been dealing with some very serious health issues for a while now, so we want to send our love to Lisa and her mom,” said commentator Mike Breen. “Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have.”
Mike Breen: “[Lisa Salters’] mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now… Although we’ve never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have.” 🎙️❤️ pic.twitter.com/7YJHlKfiwh
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 9, 2025
White returned to the Fever’s practice on Monday, and she addressed her absence while speaking with reporters.
“I’m doing alright. You know, it’s helpful that we have such a great group that is pouring into me and helping give me strength,” White told reporters.
“I’ve said all along that we have three head coaches on our staff, and knowing that they continue to step up and do great things gives me comfort. Our family is working through a hard time right now. No matter what, I’m going to be where my feet are, and I’m really thankful for this group.”
Steph White on her absence, Austin Kelly stepping in as acting head coach, and the continuity between the coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/iCghY6BYnq
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) June 9, 2025
Fever player DeWanna Bonner spoke about White’s temporary departure before the game against the Sky.
“I really want to win for Steph; she’s going through a tough time with her family right now,” Bonner said. “We want to rally together and get this one for her, but it’s also Austin’s first time at the helm, so it’s double-duty right now.”
Kelly, who filled in for White, also sent a heartwarming message to the head coach. “I think that’s another situation where we will see tonight, after this one is done,” Kelly told reporters. “We’ve been in communication. We have her in our thoughts, let her know that we have her back, but I think we will know more after this.”
Prior to the 2025 season, White praised her Fever coaching staff and predicted that they would be able to step up in her absence if ever needed.
“My staff is so good and trusting in them that if I needed to be away for a period of time, it’s status quo,” White told The Indianapolis Star before the season. “Our team knows that they have great respect for them, and I know that, and I trust them implicitly, so it gives even more peace of mind.”
More on Lisa Salters’ Journalism Career
Salters has established herself as one of the most respected voices in sports journalism over a career spanning more than three decades. The King of Prussia, Pennsylvania native, born March 6, 1966, has become an integral part of ESPN’s NFL and NBA coverage and a trusted figure among sports fans across America.
Her journalism career began in the 1990s when she worked as a West Coast correspondent for NewsOne, gaining valuable experience in news reporting. However, the pivotal moment in her career came in 2000 when she transitioned to ESPN as a general assignment reporter. This move would prove transformative, allowing her to combine her journalistic skills with sports coverage.
“Basketball is fun, man. Winning is fun. That’s a great win for us.”
Tyrese Haliburton with Lisa Salters after hitting the game-winner in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. pic.twitter.com/qIwfq9yb5D
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 6, 2025
Salters’ most prominent role has been as a sideline reporter for “Monday Night Football,” where she has become synonymous with comprehensive, insightful coverage. Her ability to deliver crucial information during live broadcasts while maintaining composure under pressure has made her an indispensable part of the broadcast team. Players, coaches, and viewers alike have come to respect her professionalism and depth of knowledge.
Recognition for her excellence has come in various forms. In 2023, she achieved a career milestone by winning her first Sports Emmy Award in the “Outstanding Personality/Reporter” category, a testament to her exceptional work in the field. Earlier, in 2017, she was inducted into the Montgomery County Hall of Fame, honoring her contributions to journalism and her Pennsylvania roots.
At 59, Salters continues to be at the forefront of sports journalism, demonstrating that experience, dedication, and professionalism remain invaluable assets in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Wow. The media treating some the like with respect. Don’t expect that for someone they are told to hate.
Why is someones relationship status. Is in article about journalism job ?