Shortly after the Phoenix Mercury’s season came to an end, All-Star center Brittney Griner made headlines with a concerning revelation about her experience with WNBA fans. During a post-season press conference, Griner claimed that throughout the season, certain fans had directed racial slurs toward her and other players.
Though she didn’t specify when or where these incidents took place, her comments clearly reflected her frustration and disappointment.
Griner expressed her dismay while speaking to reporters: “I don’t appreciate the new fans that sit there and yell racial slurs at myself, my teammates, and the people that I play against. Those might be opponents, but those are friends too. They don’t deserve that,” Griner said. “So, I don’t appreciate the new fans who think it’s okay to do that. But I do appreciate the new fans that respect the game and are here to grow our league. They’re bringing people who maybe never watched the WNBA before to our games, which helps grow our fan base.”
Her statement immediately sparked a wave of reactions, with many WNBA fans and fellow athletes showing their support for Griner, expressing outrage over the behavior she described. Griner’s supporters emphasized the importance of addressing racism in sports and the need for better protection of players. However, not everyone in the sports community accepted her claims without skepticism.
A segment of the sports world questioned the validity of Griner’s comments, with some people voicing disbelief on social media. Critics doubted that such incidents could occur without any public documentation or video evidence, particularly in an era where most games and public events are heavily recorded. One person responded, “Nobody is screaming racial slurs at a WNBA game. You have to be brain-damaged to believe this nonsense.” Another added sarcastically, “Really weird that not a single video of people yelling racial slurs nor a player reacting to them has emerged given how many WNBA players are claiming this. Really, really weird.”
Sports commentator Clay Travis also weighed in, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Brittney Griner claims WNBA fans are screaming racial slurs at her and other players. This is a lie. Any video of this happening would lead left-wing sports media for a week.”
While some cast doubt on Griner’s account, others emphasized the seriousness of her allegations and the importance of investigating such claims. Racial abuse in sports, unfortunately, has a long history, and players across various leagues have spoken out about the emotional toll it takes. Supporters of Griner called for the WNBA to take immediate action to ensure that all players feel safe and respected while on the court.
In the past, the WNBA has released statements condemning racist and derogatory remarks aimed at players. A previous statement from the league emphasized that “racist, derogatory, or threatening comments made about players, teams, and anyone affiliated with the league will not be tolerated.” However, as of now, the league has not issued a response specifically addressing Griner’s recent comments.
The incident has reignited conversations about fan behavior at sporting events and the need for better security and fan education. While it remains unclear if any formal investigation will be launched into the claims, the hope is that the WNBA and its teams will take proactive steps to prevent any form of abuse toward players, whether it’s rooted in racism, sexism, or homophobia.
For Brittney Griner, a player who has been in the public eye for reasons both on and off the court—including her wrongful detention in Russia and subsequent high-profile release—the issue of fan conduct is deeply personal.
She has already dealt with extreme challenges in her career, and now, as she returns to the WNBA, she is once again standing at the forefront of important conversations about respect, equality, and the treatment of athletes.
As the WNBA continues to grow in visibility and popularity, it will be crucial for the league to address these issues head-on, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all players and fans alike.
