“Excessive Harassment”
Youtuber attacks Brittney Griner at the airport
06/11/2023, 11:00 a.m
US basketball player Brittney Griner, convicted in Russia, experienced a moment of shock at Dallas airport. A Youtuber attacks and insults her and her team, Phoenix Mercury. A fellow player reports “excessive harassment” and fear.
US basketball player Brittney Griner, who has been imprisoned in Russia for a long time, and her teammates from the Phoenix Mercury were verbally attacked by a YouTuber at Dallas-Forth Worth airport. They were on their way to the game in Indiana when the man, who hails from Dallas and was already out in public with arguments with politicians, approached the women basketball players.
In a video he shared on his Twitter account, he yelled at Griner, accusing her of hating America. Before the clip was released, he smugly announced: “I just met my favorite WNBA player. Video will follow shortly.” He then celebrated for the numerous reactions and press reports on the incident.
Griner’s teammate Brianna Turner tweeted about “excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure of where to move.” The team said, “No one, regardless of identity, should ever have to fear for their safety. We will coordinate with the WNBA on next steps.”
Scheduled flight as a threat?
The women’s professional league WNBA called the behavior of the YouTuber, whom it described as a “provocateur”, in a statement “inappropriate and regrettable”. She emphasized, “The safety of Brittney Griner and all WNBA players is our top priority.” They worked with the Phoenix Mercury prior to the season “to ensure their safety while traveling, which includes charter flights and their assigned security personnel at all times.”
Traditionally, WNBA teams travel on scheduled flights, something the players’ union WNBPA has often criticized. “Any scheduled flight that is forced on our players is a threat to their health and safety,” the players’ union said after the Griner incident.
Griner has returned to the basketball court this season after the 32-year-old was convicted of drug possession charges in Russia and served 10 months in prison there. The Olympic champion was released as part of a prisoner exchange, and US President Joe Biden had also campaigned for her release.