Brittney Griner, the veteran center for the Atlanta Dream, is facing ongoing controversy after being accused of using a racist slur during a game against the Indiana Fever on May 22. The allegations emerged following the Dream’s 81-76 loss, but Griner has denied any such comments, with Kevin Durant’s brother, Tony Durant, publicly defending her against the repeated accusations from OutKick reporters.
Griner’s career in the WNBA has been distinguished since she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013. As a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, nine-time All-Star, and one of the league’s top 25 players named by the WNBA in 2021, Griner holds a respected position in professional basketball. Despite this, she now faces persistent scrutiny related to the incident during the game against Indiana.
The controversy began after Griner fouled out late in the game and was accused of shouting a racist remark toward Caitlin Clark of the Fever. During questioning by OutKick journalists, Griner stated she could not recall what she said on the sideline and declined to review video footage of the event.
“I really can’t remember what I said, honestly,” Griner said about the incident against the Fever, spurring the reporter to ask to show her the video. “No,” Griner said. “It wouldn’t help.”
In response to the persistent inquiries, Tony Durant took to Instagram to criticize the coverage and defend Griner, suggesting racial bias impacted the way the reporters handled the situation.
“Ya wouldn’t give any white person a chance to explain no racist s*** why is this allowed to explain itself,” Durant said.
Since the game, both Griner and the Atlanta Dream have attempted to move forward, focusing on basketball rather than the controversy. However, OutKick’s reporters have continued to press for comments, despite being rebuffed by Griner and the team. This ongoing pressure has sparked backlash within the WNBA community and beyond.
Growing Support for Brittney Griner as Criticism of OutKick Mounts
Many WNBA fans and observers have voiced frustration over OutKick’s relentless pursuit of Griner regarding the alleged racist remarks. The accusations remain unconfirmed, yet the coverage has fueled speculation that the reporting aims to harm the player’s reputation. This sentiment was echoed by sportscaster Chris Williamson, who criticized the Washington Mystics organization for allowing OutKick access to their game against the Dream.
“Disappointed in the Mystics org for allowing OutKick into that Atlanta-Washington game all so they could simply harass BG with dumb and disingenuous questions,” Williamson tweeted.
Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, has stood firm in his commitment to uncover the truth behind the allegations, despite disapproval from fans and other media figures. Meanwhile, Griner and her team have chosen to keep silent on the matter, prioritizing their focus on current competition and leaving past issues behind.
The ongoing dispute highlights tensions between media outlets and athletes, especially regarding sensitive allegations lacking confirmed evidence. For Brittney Griner, the episode represents another challenge amid a career defined by high achievement, underscoring the broader impact of media scrutiny in professional sports.