After Brittney Griner was recently harassed by a YouTuber asking if she still wants to “boycott America,’ the WNBA has released a statement addressing the incident.
WNBA Releases Statement After Brittney Griner Is Harassed By YouTuber Asking If She Still Wants To ‘Boycott America’
While Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and her teammates made their way through the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Saturday morning (June 10), she was verbally harassed by comedian and Blaze Media YouTuber Alex Stein, asking if she still wanted to “boycott America.”
The incident occurred as Griner and her mates walked through the airport on their way to Indiana, after playing a couple games in Arlington, Texas. Stein, a Dallas native who has gained some notoriety for confronting politicians, recorded himself criticizing the eight-time All-Star, specifically questioning her American patriotism, especially after being involved in the American-Russian prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022.
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Before being restrained by security during his run-in with Griner, Stein brought up some of her past comments. He asked the WNBA baller, “Hey Britt! Do you still wanna boycott America, Brittney?”
Someone in the background responded to Stein’s comments and said, “You’re weird bro!” He quickly quipped back, “I’m weird? Why? She hates America! What about the Merchant of Death?”
It is reported that when Stein questioned Griner’s American patriotism, he was most likely referring to when she called for the removal of the “National Anthem,” which was at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
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Following the incident, the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) released a statement.
It began, “As we gather additional information about today’s incident at the Dallas airport, it has come to our attention that this was orchestrated by a social media figure and provocateur. His actions were inappropriate and unfortunate.”
The released continued, “The safety of Brittney Griner and all WNBA players is our top priority. Prior to the season, the WNBA worked together with the Phoenix Mercury and BG’s team to ensure her safety during her travel, which included charter flights for WNBA games and assigned security personnel with her at all times. We remain steadfastly committed to the highest standards of security for players.”
Griner’s team, the Phoenix Mercury, also shared a statement of their own. It began, “We are reviewing the incident that took place today at the Dallas airport. The health and well-being of our players and staff are our top priority and we will always take every step within our power to protect player safety.”
Continuing, they said, “We are committed to our support of BG and advocating for all American hostages abroad. We will continue our support of marginalized communities and fighting the kind of hate that targeted us today. No one, regardless of identity, should ever fear for their safety. We will be coordinating with the WNBA on next steps.”
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