The controversy over Brittney Griner‘s alleged racist remark aimed at Caitlin Clark resurfaced recently when OutKick reporter Dan Zaksheke confronted Griner about the incident on Sunday. The allegation centers on a comment that many online sources say Griner made during a May 22 game between the Atlanta Dream and the Indiana Fever, reportedly calling Clark a “trash f**king white girl.”
Griner denied making the comment, explaining that she does not recall what she said but acknowledged her frustration after fouling out of the game.
Griner’s Response to Allegations and Context of the Incident
During the exchange with Zaksheke, the Atlanta Dream center firmly stated,
“No, would never say that. Like, there’s no place for that in the league.”
She further elaborated on her frustration related to officiating during the game, saying,
“I remember fouling out being mad. I remember fouling out on, I believe it was [Natasha] Howard driving to the basket, I put my hand in, but hey, never really happy with the officiating … I really can’t remember what I said, honestly.”
Zaksheke offered to show Griner the viral video of the moment to refresh her memory, but she declined, saying it would not help her recall the exact words.
Clay Travis Questions Griner’s Denial and Raises Hypotheticals
Following the interaction, OutKick founder Clay Travis publicly questioned Griner’s denial and expressed skepticism about her recollection of events. On X, Travis highlighted the tensions and implied that denying such comments raised doubts about her accountability.
He also posed hypothetical scenarios to challenge the league’s handling of the incident and suggested that similar comments would result in swift disciplinary action if directed at others.
WNBA’s Ongoing Efforts to Address Racism in the League
The WNBA has faced increased pressure to clamp down on racism in and around the league, particularly after complaints by multiple players concerning fan behavior both online and inside arenas. These issues have frequently involved the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark’s fan base.
For example, on May 17, Angel Reese reported a fan made racist remarks toward her during a game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever at the season’s tip-off. Despite the league’s investigation, no evidence was found to support Reese’s claim.
Media Figures Criticize Griner and WNBA’s Response
Prominent voices such as Stephen A. Smith and Jason Whitlock have publicly criticized Brittney Griner regarding the alleged incident. Appearing on the PBD Podcast, Smith condemned Griner, referencing her high-profile release from a Russian prison in December 2022 in exchange for arms dealer Viktar Bout as part of his critique.
Meanwhile, Whitlock accused the WNBA of uneven enforcement, pointing out how quickly the league launched an investigation into Indiana Fever fans after Reese’s complaint but appeared slower in addressing the allegations against Griner. He tweeted,
“WNBA launches investigation into Indiana Fever fans for racially insensitive noises that no one heard…. Meanwhile….” —Jason Whitlock
As of now, the WNBA has not taken any formal action against Brittney Griner concerning the alleged comment.
Implications of the Incident for the League and Players
This ongoing dispute highlights the delicate balance the WNBA faces in addressing racism within professional basketball while maintaining transparency and fairness. The backlash and scrutiny could influence how the league manages future allegations involving players and fans alike. Brittney Griner’s response and the surrounding media attention underscore the broader challenges of race, accountability, and player conduct in sports today.