The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has reported that Brittney Griner and her Phoenix Mercury teammates were confronted by a provocateur at an airport. The incident occurred on Monday, July 12, 2021, at the Atlanta airport, where the team was scheduled to fly to Seattle for their next game.
According to reports, the provocateur approached Griner and her teammates and began shouting homophobic slurs at them. The individual also made physical threats towards the players, causing a disturbance in the airport. The Mercury players were able to de-escalate the situation and eventually boarded their flight to Seattle.
The WNBA has released a statement condemning the incident, stating that “we stand with Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community. There is no place for hate or discrimination in our league or in our society.”
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of discrimination and harassment faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in sports. Griner, who is openly gay, has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken out about her experiences with discrimination both on and off the court.
In response to the incident, Griner took to social media to express her frustration and disappointment. She wrote, “I’m tired of being attacked for being who I am. It’s time for change. It’s time for people to start treating each other with respect and kindness.”
The WNBA has made strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity within their league, including their “Wear Orange” campaign in support of gun violence prevention and their partnership with the It Gets Better Project to support LGBTQ+ youth. However, incidents like this serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes.
In conclusion, the incident involving Brittney Griner and her Phoenix Mercury teammates at the Atlanta airport is a disturbing reminder of the discrimination and harassment that members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face. The WNBA’s condemnation of the incident and their ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity are commendable, but it is clear that more work needs to be done to create a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes. It is time for society as a whole to stand up against hate and discrimination and work towards a more inclusive future.
