Brittney Griner (Photo By Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The WNBA is catching heat, and it’s not just about game scores or stats. A video clip of Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner allegedly making a controversial comment during a May 22 game against the Indiana Fever has gone viral, sparking outrage across social media.
The moment, which shows Griner on the bench seemingly mouthing the phrase “trash f—— white girl,” has drawn intense scrutiny.
Griner, who joined the Dream this offseason after spending her entire WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, didn’t direct the comment at anyone on the court, at least not visibly. But the timing, just after she fouled out in a close contest with the Fever, left many fans connecting the dots, especially given the presence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark on the opposing team.
Since the clip started making rounds online, the league has remained silent. And that silence is now fueling the fire.
Fan Reactions And Accusations Of A Double Standard
Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark (Photo Via Imagn Images)
The WNBA has yet to release a statement or take disciplinary action, and fans are not letting it slide. Several are calling the league’s response or lack thereof a glaring double standard. Some point to the league’s own “No Space for Hate” campaign launched earlier this season, which emphasized zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior.
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. pic.twitter.com/iMzf6JaYfo
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 24, 2025
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“If Caitlin Clark did that, headlines would be on fire,” one fan wrote on X.
This isn’t just about trash talk from Brittney Griner!
It’s about the double standard. If Caitlin Clark did that, headlines would be on fire. But when it’s flipped? Silence. This moment is about what the system chooses to ignore. pic.twitter.com/m4aioQSvLd— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) May 24, 2025
Others took a more direct jab at the league’s credibility. “The WNBA is not a serious sports league,” one user commented.
The WNBA is not a serious sports league.
— Andy Clark (@poof0017) June 2, 2025
While another added, “There is nothing about the WNBA that you can take seriously.”
There is nothing about the WNBA that you can take seriously.
— Joe Varriccio (@MDRoadking) June 2, 2025
A few defended Griner, arguing the comment wasn’t directed at anyone specifically and didn’t warrant league intervention. “She didn’t appear to say it to anyone directly therefore not sure this needs to be elevated to the level of a racist act. However, her race card is now void!” one reply read.
She didn’t appear to say it to anyone directly therefore not sure this needs to be elevated to the level of a racist act. However, her race card is now void! In fact, all this bullshitt race card stuff coming out of the WMBA void!! Doesn’t exist! Play the damned game!
— AWOL1 (@LavLane68) June 2, 2025
Still, the broader concern lingers: how the league handles sensitive issues when they don’t fit a particular narrative. The longer the WNBA stays quiet, the louder its critics get. For now, fans continue to wait for a response that may not come.