Ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner says the WNBA’s “new followers” crossed the road this 12 months.
The Phoenix Mercury star opened up concerning the “racial slurs” she and different gamers heard from “new followers” all through the 2024 season.
“I don’t recognize the brand new followers that sit there and yell racial slurs at myself, my teammates and the those that I play towards as a result of, yeah, these may be opponents however these are pals too,” Griner stated Thursday evening.
“They do not deserve that. So, I do not recognize the brand new followers who assume it is OK to do this.
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Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury towards the Seattle Storm through the first quarter at Local weather Pledge Enviornment June 24, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures)
“However I do recognize the brand new followers that respect the sport, which are right here to develop our league, bringing those that perhaps by no means watched the W to a WNBA sport in order that we will develop our followers.”
Quite a lot of gamers have spoken out on hateful feedback and vitriol, and the WNBA put out an announcement earlier this week to acknowledge the difficulty.
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury seems to move towards the Seattle Storm through the first quarter at Local weather Pledge Enviornment June 24, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Pictures)
WNBPA ISSUES SCATHING STATEMENT ACCUSING USA TODAY COLUMNIST OF INTERVIEW ‘DESIGNED TO FUEL’ RACISM
“The WNBA is a aggressive league with a few of the most elite athletes on this planet. Whereas we welcome a rising fan base, the WNBA is not going to tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening feedback made about gamers, groups and anybody affiliated with the league,” the assertion stated.
Griner was in her second season again within the league after lacking the 2022 marketing campaign whereas being imprisoned in Russia.
Final 12 months, Griner was concerned in an incident with a social media sensation who requested her why she “hates” and “nonetheless need[s] to boycott” America.
Brittney Griner (42) of the Phoenix Mercury bins out Angel Reese (5) of the Chicago Sky through the second half of a WNBA sport Aug. 15, 2024, at Wintrust Enviornment in Chicago. (Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures)
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The WNBA playoffs started earlier this week.
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