Sports commentator Skip Bayless has called on the WNBA to launch an investigation into Brittney Griner’s comments, which Bayless claims were directed at Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark. The controversy stems from an incident during a game last month, when Griner was recorded on TV appearing to make an offensive statement from the bench, prompting debate about the league’s response.

Incident during Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream game sparks debate

On the night of the Indiana Fever’s 81-76 win over the Atlanta Dream, Clark was sidelined by a quad injury but had played a major role in securing the victory. The attention shifted from the outcome to video footage of Griner, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, expressing visible frustration after fouling out. Although no audio was captured, viewers interpreting her lip movements suggested she said “f*cking white girl.” More than a week later, Bayless has strongly criticized the WNBA for avoiding any public comment on the matter.

Bayless highlights league’s silence and Griner’s lack of comment

Bayless waited to address the situation until the league could review it, but has since voiced his disappointment over the WNBA’s silence.

I waited to comment on this until the WNBA was able to investigate it,

Bayless said.

I wanted them to issue a statement about it. But we have heard nothing from the WNBA, absolutely nothing. And Brittney Griner has not commented, which I find significant.

Dispute over what Griner actually said and social media reactions

The exact wording of Griner’s comment remains disputed. Sports commentator Jemele Hill, among others, argues it sounds more like “f*cking wack call” rather than a racial slur. Hill further explained that the foul resulting in Griner’s frustration was unrelated to Clark and involved a different player, Natasha Howard. According to Hill:

I get that your whole personality is caught up in stuff like this, so you don’t care about spreading misinformation.

1) the foul call made on her had nothing to do with Caitlin Clark. It was because she fouled Natasha Howard.

2) She clearly says “trash” and “fucking WACK CALL”… https://t.co/l46QuNgv8j

Despite these clarifications, Bayless maintains his belief that Griner targeted Clark with a racially charged remark based on visual evidence alone.

It sure looks like Brittney Griner says ‘f*cking white girl.’

Bayless asserted.

To me like the last word is ‘girl’ not ‘call.’ Tell me I’m wrong.

Bayless questions the plausibility of alternative explanations

Dismissing the theory that Griner’s comment was aimed at a referee, Bayless argued the phrasing suggests a focus on Clark rather than an official on the court. He noted that if Griner had intended to insult a referee, the language likely would have differed. According to Bayless, Griner’s comment reflects frustration directed at Clark due to her rising prominence in the WNBA.

Bayless challenges perceived double standards within the league

Bayless criticized what he sees as a disparity in how the league might handle racially sensitive remarks depending on the races of the players involved. He contended the WNBA would act swiftly against a white player making a derogatory comment about a Black player but appears lenient when the situation is reversed.

Regardless of why Brittney Griner said what she said,

Bayless said,

I want to know, is the WNBA okay with one of its players saying ‘f*cking white girl on the bench and getting caught by TV cameras saying such? I guess they are. I guess they’re okay with it. Obviously, the league would very much not be okay with a white player saying ‘f*cking Black girl’ on the bench in anger and getting caught by TV cameras. That would be an immediate suspension, if not a career-ender for said white girl. But because the league is 60 percent Black, that makes it okay for a Black player to say ‘f*cking white girl’ in anger without repercussions?

Continuing, Bayless shared his personal reaction to the phrase and questioned its impact on the WNBA’s image.

Just me, I find that phrase offensive. And I’ll bet a lot of white fans found it offensive, and maybe even some Black fans considered it offensive. Does the WNBA think that viral video of that remark was good for business?

WNBA’s lack of comment amid previous investigations of fan conduct

The WNBA previously investigated accusations of racist taunts from Fever fans toward Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, ultimately finding no evidence to support the claims. In contrast, the league has remained silent on Griner’s alleged comment and has neither confirmed nor denied any review of the footage. Griner herself has not addressed the controversy or clarified what she said.

Lingering controversy remains with Bayless as the main vocal critic

While many involved in the early debate have moved on or accepted alternative explanations, Skip Bayless remains persistent in calling out the WNBA’s silence and demanding accountability. The ongoing dispute highlights the complex intersection of race, player conduct, and league policies in professional women’s basketball, with implications for public perception and the WNBA’s handling of sensitive matters.