Ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner says the WNBA’s “new followers” crossed the road this yr.
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 respect the brand new followers that sit there and yell racial slurs at myself, my teammates and the people who I play towards as a result of, yeah, these is perhaps opponents however these are mates too,” Griner stated Thursday night time.Â
“They do not deserve that. So, I do not respect the brand new followers who assume it is OK to try this.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury towards the Seattle Storm throughout the first quarter at Local weather Pledge Area June 24, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Photographs)
“However I do respect the brand new followers that respect the sport, which might be right here to develop our league, bringing people who perhaps by no means watched the W to a WNBA sport in order that we are able to develop our followers.”
Various gamers have spoken out on hateful feedback and vitriol, and the WNBA put out an announcement earlier this week to acknowledge the problem.
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury appears to go towards the Seattle Storm throughout the first quarter at Local weather Pledge Area June 24, 2023, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Photographs)
WNBPA ISSUES SCATHING STATEMENT ACCUSING USA TODAY COLUMNIST OF INTERVIEW ‘DESIGNED TO FUEL’ RACISM
“The WNBA is a aggressive league with among the most elite athletes on the earth. Whereas we welcome a rising fan base, the WNBA won’t 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 yr, 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 throughout the second half of a WNBA sport Aug. 15, 2024, at Wintrust Area in Chicago. (Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photographs)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The WNBA playoffs started earlier this week.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports activities protection on X, and subscribe to the Fox Information Sports activities Huddle publication.
