Brittney Griner was the target of «inappropriate and unfortunate» actions by a «social media figure and provocateur» at the Dallas airport on Saturday, the WNBA says.
It’s unclear which incident the WNBA is referring to, but social media personality Alex Stein posted on Twitter Saturday, saying the WNBA was «[writing] press releases about me,» along with a snippet of his personal interaction with Griner.
Stein was walking with Griner and other team members at the airport when he asked Griner why he «hates» and «still wants to[s] boycott» America.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 19, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Stein was shoved by security and later called a «weird» by another team member.
«Am I weird? Why? She hates America,» Stein replied.
«What about the Merchant of Death, Brit?» Stein asked, referring to Viktor Bout, whom the United States returned to Russia in exchange for returning Griner to the United States from a Russian prison.
Griner received criticism for previously kneeling for the national anthem, but upon returning to the WNBA this season, she changed her mind, saying «definitely [wanted] stand».
«Hearing the national anthem, it was definitely different,» Griner said after his return. «It’s like when you go to the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to have gold put around your neck, the flags go up and the anthem plays. It just sounds different.»
The Mercury franchise is «reviewing the incident.»
Dallas Wings center Kalani Brown, left, falls backwards while defending against Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner (42) during the second half of a WNBA game on June 7, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
WNBA STAR BRITTNEY GRINER RETURNS TO TEXAS FOR FIRST TIME SINCE RUSSIAN’S ARREST
«The health and well-being of our players and staff are our highest priority, and we will always take all steps within our power to protect player safety,» the team said. said in a statement. “We are committed to our support of BG and advocating for all American hostages abroad. We will continue our support for marginalized communities and fight the kind of hate that attacked us today. No one, regardless of their identity, should fear for their safety. We will be coordinating with the WNBA the next steps.»
«Prior to the season, the WNBA worked with Phoenix Mercury and the BG team to ensure her safety during her trip, which included chartered flights to WNBA games and assigned security personnel with her at all times.» said the WNBA. «We remain firmly committed to the highest security standards for our players.»
Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner (42) is congratulated on a play against the Seattle Storm in the first half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs on September 26, 2021 in Everett, Washington. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Mercury played in Dallas against the Wings on Friday night, losing 90-77 to drop to 1-5 on the season.