Brittney Griner is at the center of controversy after being accused of making a racist comment toward Caitlin Clark during a May 22, 2025, game, leading to questions about her status in the WNBA.
On May 22, 2025, the Atlanta Dream played a close game against the Indiana Fever in the WNBA.
Brittney Griner, a veteran star, fouled out, which is unusual for her.
As she left the court, visibly frustrated, cameras caught her yelling something.
Social media platforms, particularly X, erupted with claims that Griner directed the phrases “trash” and “f*cking white girl” at Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s high-profile rookie.
Brittney Griner on Caitlin Clark: “Trash, f***ing white girl.”
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) May 24, 2025
Will the WNBA condemn, fine, and suspend Griner for this racist comment?
Of course not. The WNBA is trash. Just like Griner.pic.twitter.com/q35wvYQFTr
These allegations sparked accusations of racism and demands for the WNBA to take disciplinary action, with some fans even calling for Griner to be banned.
But the story isn’t so clear-cut. Other interpretations of the footage suggest Griner’s frustration was aimed at the officiating rather than Clark.
Some believe she said “wack call” or was criticizing a “bad call” by the referees.
Without clear audio or an official statement from the WNBA, lip-reading from grainy game footage remains unreliable.
The Atlanta Dream, Clark’s team, has not commented publicly, and no verified evidence confirms the exact words Griner used.
Griner likely felt frustrated after fouling out in a close match. She often shows her dissatisfaction with referees.
Just two days later, on May 24, 2025, she made headlines again for using profanity during a halftime interview, further highlighting her fiery demeanor.
As of now, the WNBA has not announced any suspension or ban related to the Clark incident, fueling the debate with speculation and social media interpretations.
Caitlin Clark, the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is facing intense scrutiny this season, increasing attention on her interactions.
For now, the claims against Griner remain unverified, and no official disciplinary action has been reported.
Brittney Griner’s History Of Suspensions And Scandals
Brittney Griner has often been in the spotlight, with a career featuring two Olympic gold medals and a WNBA championship, but also marked by controversies that have sparked both criticism and support.
In May 2015, Griner was suspended for seven games by the WNBA due to a domestic violence incident involving her then-fiancée, Glory Johnson, also a WNBA player.
Both were arrested for a physical altercation on April 22, 2015, in Goodyear, Arizona.
The WNBA found Griner’s actions more aggressive, resulting in her suspension, while Johnson faced no penalty. Both players were required to attend counseling.
The incident received significant attention due to the athletes involved and raised questions about domestic violence in sports.
Griner and Johnson’s relationship ended shortly after, attracting further public scrutiny.
Brittney Griner is best known for a major controversy when she was detained in Russia in 2022.
In February, while traveling to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason, she was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia.
Griner pleaded guilty, stating she packed the cartridges unintentionally, but was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.
Her detention became an international scandal, sparking debates about U.S.-Russia relations, the treatment of American athletes abroad, and the use of cannabis in sports.
Supporters argued she was unfairly targeted, while others criticized her for traveling with prohibited substances.
After months of negotiations, Griner was released in December 2022 in a high-profile prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer.
The swap was controversial, with some praising the U.S. for securing her release and others questioning the cost of the deal.
Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023, stronger than ever, and used her platform to advocate for Americans detained abroad, but the ordeal left a lasting mark on her public image.
As of May 2025, The WNBA Has Not Officially Banned Or Suspended Brittney Griner
The allegations from the May 22 game remain unconfirmed, and the league has not issued a statement addressing the incident with Caitlin Clark.
Griner’s history shows she’s no stranger to suspensions. Her 2015 domestic violence case and 2019 on-court fight led to penalties, but nothing suggests she’s currently facing a ban.
The WNBA typically investigates player conduct, particularly in cases involving racial issues; however, a lack of clear evidence makes swift action unlikely.
Griner’s outspoken personality and competitive spirit draw attention, making her both admired and controversial. Regardless of opinion, her influence on and off the court is significant.
The recent incident with Griner and Clark underscores the scrutiny WNBA players face on social media.
Clark’s rising star status amplifies attention, while Griner’s past controversies make her an easy target for speculation.
Without clear evidence, assumptions can unfairly harm her reputation.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In 2020 and 2021, Griner made headlines for her activism, particularly her stance on the U.S. national anthem.
- In *In My Skin*, Griner alleged that Baylor coach Kim Mulkey discouraged her from being open about her sexuality.
- Griner and Cherelle Watson, engaged in August 2018 and married in June 2019, welcomed their son, Bash, in July 2024.
