Viral footage of angry Brittney Griner in game against Caitlin Clark sparks fresh WNBA controversy
By OLIVER SALT
Brittney Griner is at the center of fierce controversy after footage emerged of the Atlanta Dream star making a furious remark during their defeat to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.
After fouling out in Thursday night's game at State Farm Arena, a furious Griner took her seat on the bench before TV cameras captured her ranting in frustration.
The 34-year-old first appeared to say 'trash' at the end of a sentence before pausing and continuing her tirade, with social media divided on what came next.
A number of users on X, including former college swimmer and conservative political activist Riley Gaines, have alleged that she said 'f***ing white girl' in a racial slur aimed towards Fever sensation Clark.
However, others are adamant that she did not use that racist insult on the night, insisting that Griner was instead moaning that the referee had just made a 'f***ing wack call' by penalizing her for the sixth time in the game.
It is also believed that she committed the foul in question on Natasha Howard - a black player for the Fever - rather than Clark.
Brittney Griner's angry comment during a game against Caitlin Clark has caused drama online
Caitlin Clark is at the center of the controversy
Some users have alleged Griner made a racist comment about Clark
A number of users have alleged that Griner was using a racial slur about Caitlin Clark (left)
Insane Caitlin Clark moment sends Tyrese Haliburton wild watching Fever almost seal famous comeback
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The Atlanta Dream is so far yet to respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com on Saturday afternoon.
Along with a clip of Griner's rant, Gaines - who has become a leading conservative voice in recent years - wrote on X: 'Just a reminder: this is who we traded for the Russian Merchant of Death.
'Now imagine if Clark had said the inverse.'
Griner, of course, missed the 2022 season when she was detained for nearly 10 months in Russia after authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis, before she was freed in a prisoner swap.
One person who didn't agree with Gaines' take on the video of Griner is ex-ESPN host Jemele Hill, who took to social media to hit back at the ex-swimmer.
Hill responded: 'I get that your whole personality is caught up in stuff like this, so you don’t care about spreading misinformation.
'1) the foul call made on her had nothing to do with Caitlin Clark. It was because she fouled Natasha Howard.
'2) She clearly says “trash” and “f***ing WACK CALL” But carry on with your grifting a**.'
Ex-ESPN host Jemele Hill hit back at Riley Gaines for claiming Griner said 'f***ing white girl'
The Dream star also left fans stunned when she used a profanity live on CBS two days later
Amid the controversy over her comment against the Fever, two days later Griner left fans stunned when she launched an F-bomb at officials as they exited the floor at halftime of her Dream's win over the visiting Dallas Wings.
The 6-foot-9 Baylor product and freed Russian penal colony prisoner was set for a customary on-court interview with CBS when she noticed the crew of Jeff Smith, Eric Brewton and Tyler Mirkovich leaving the floor.
'BG, right now you have five points, ten rebounds…' CBS' Autumn Johnson began as Griner's attention wandered.
The apparent issue was Griner's displeasure with a late foul call. The three-time Olympic gold medalist was whistled for an offensive foul with 1:30 remaining before halftime.
'Right now she's talking to the refs… about holding,' Johnson said, calling the action of the halftime kerfuffle.
Griner returned to the interview but only after seeming to yell 'be f***ing better' at the refs.
She then appeared to compose herself before apologizing to both Johnson and the CBS audience: 'I'm sorry, y'all.'
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