Former NCAA swimmer and conservative activist Riley Gaines has publicly condemned WNBA star Brittney Griner following an incident during a recent game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Indiana Fever. Griner, who fouled out during the game, was allegedly caught on camera making derogatory remarks toward Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, reportedly calling her “trash” and a “f***ing white girl.” This incident has sparked widespread discussion and controversy within the sports community.
Gaines, known for her advocacy on issues related to women’s sports, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval. She wrote:
> “Brittney Griner appeared to call Caitlin Clark ‘trash’ and a ‘f***ing white girl’ after fouling out last night. Just a reminder: this is who we traded for the Russian Merchant of Death. Now imagine if Clark had said the inverse!”
Gaines’s comments reference the 2022 prisoner exchange in which Griner was released from Russian custody in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Her statement also highlights concerns about potential double standards in the treatment of athletes based on race and gender.
The WNBA has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, the league has previously emphasized its commitment to maintaining professionalism and respect among players. As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike are closely monitoring for any updates or disciplinary actions.
This incident adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding conduct and accountability in professional sports, particularly within the WNBA, where issues of race, gender, and respect continue to be at the forefront of conversations.
