"I would make sure she felt respected" says ESPYS host in defence of Naomi Osaka

Osaka was in attendance at the Awards in New York and during his opening monologue, Actor Anthony Mackie defended Osaka and her actions at the French Open. Mackie said:

“I don’t know how you punish Naomi Osaka. For prioritizing her mental health. That’s crazy. I’m no tennis exec, I don’t know, but if my sport had one of the most popular and marketable athletes on the planet, you know what I would do? I would probably make sure she felt comfortable and respected. But hey, what do I know, right? I’m just Captain America.”

Mackie did not comment further on the matter and Osaka was later awarded the Best Women's Athlete award. As she attended the award she accepted it in person and gave a heartfelt message thanking people and fans for supporting her. She did not mention the controversy in her one-minute remark.

Osaka is set to return to tennis at the Tokyo Olympic Games where she will represent her native Japan.