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Brittney Griner Faces Backlash for Vulgar Remarks Toward Caitlin Clark

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 24, 2025 12:08 PM ET

The Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever have faced off twice during the first full week of the WNBA season, splitting the matchups with one win each. However, Thursday's game in Atlanta was marked by controversy beyond the final score.

Following the Dream's 81–76 loss, veteran center Brittney Griner appeared to direct heated remarks toward Fever rookie Caitlin Clark after Griner fouled out late in the game.

A video circulating on social media shows Griner taking a seat on the bench and allegedly using vulgar language, including calling Clark “trash” and appearing to say, “[explicit] white girl.”

The clip quickly went viral, sparking some intense backlash from fans who were not fond of Griner's remarks toward Clark.

Now I’m no expert at reading lips, but this is clear as day where Brittney Griner appears to be calling Caitlin Clark “trash” and a “f*cking White girl” after she fouled out.pic.twitter.com/EylSykuHlc
— Liberacrat™️ (@Liberacrat) May 24, 2025

"That pretty much sums the whole WNBA up right there in those few seconds," a fan said.

Someone else added, "So...the player who fouled out called someone else trash...projecting so hard they could open a theater."

A fan reacted by saying, "@WNBA are you going to investigate this."

"Where’s the WNBA statement on an investigation?? Oh yeah. It only works in one direction,"

One more fan commented, "Some of them cannot stand that [Clark] is the face of the WNBA and driving ratings/attendance."

Following last weekend’s game between the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, which was the season opener for both teams, the WNBA released a statement announcing an investigation into hate speech directed at players, after a fan reportedly targeted Angel Reese. The league also launched a new initiative, “No Space for Hate,” aimed at promoting respect and inclusivity across the WNBA.

However, it appears unlikely the league will investigate Brittney Griner’s alleged comments toward Caitlin Clark, which have sparked a lot of controversy amongst WNBA fans who want the league to stay consistent.

There’s no space for hate—on or off the court.

Today, we launch ‘No Space for Hate’, a league-wide platform focused on promoting respect across the WNBA.

From enhanced social media and arena security to increased mental health support, we’re taking action to create a safer,… pic.twitter.com/XKWf3H2jGy
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2025

Both teams return to action Saturday: the Fever face the defending champion New York Liberty at 1 p.m. ET, while the Dream host No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at 3 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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