Ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner says the WNBA's “new fans” crossed the line this year.
The Phoenix Mercury star opened up about the “racial slurs” she and other players heard from “new fans” throughout the 2024 season.
“I don't appreciate the new fans who sit there and yell racial slurs at me, my teammates, my opponents, because while they may be enemies, they're also friends,” Greiner said. said on thursday night.
“They don't deserve to do that. So I don't appreciate the new fans who think it's okay to do that.”
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Brittney Greiner of the Seattle Storm vs. Phoenix Mercury during the first quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 24, 2023 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
“But to respect this game and to come here to grow our league and bring people to WNBA games who maybe have never seen a W NBA game so we can grow our fan base.” I’m grateful for the new fans I have.”
Many players have spoken out about the hateful comments and vitriol, and the WNBA released a statement earlier this week acknowledging the issue.
Brittney Greiner of the Phoenix Mercury attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on June 24, 2023. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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“The WNBA is a highly competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. While we welcome the expansion of our fan base, the WNBA does not support racist, derogatory, or threatening behavior toward players, teams, or league officials. We do not tolerate abusive comments,” the statement said.
Greiner was in his second season back in the league after being imprisoned in Russia and missing the 2022 season.
Last year, Greiner was involved in an incident that became a social media sensation, with people asking why she “hated it” and “do you still want to do it?”[s] Boycott America.
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, 42, punches Chicago Sky's Angel Reese, 5, during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena in Chicago on August 15, 2024. . (Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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The WNBA playoffs began earlier this week.
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