Race Double Standard in Women’s Sports? Griner Accused of Targeting Clark with Slur
Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s most controversial figure, is once again under fire—this time for what appears to be a racially charged outburst following her fifth foul on Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark during a heated Thursday night matchup.
Griner, who fouled out after what fans and analysts say was an aggressive elbow to Clark’s face, was caught on video appearing to mutter the words:
“Trash f*ing White girl.”**
The clip quickly went viral, prompting backlash from sports fans, media critics, and women’s sports advocates who called out the clear double standard in how racial slurs are addressed depending on who says them.
Griner’s History and the Flashpoint With Clark
Griner’s on-court meltdown adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding the WNBA star, including her high-profile arrest and conviction in Russia for drug smuggling in 2022. She was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison before being returned to the U.S. in a controversial prisoner swap.
Thursday’s incident follows weeks of targeted aggression toward Caitlin Clark, who has become a breakout star and the face of women’s basketball since entering the league. Clark, known for her fiery competitiveness, has increasingly drawn hostility from WNBA veterans unwilling to welcome her rapid rise.
Earlier in the game, Clark clashed with Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, telling her bluntly:
“I’m not scared of you,”
as teammates held Howard back.
Riley Gaines: “Imagine If the Races Were Reversed”
Outspoken women’s rights advocate Riley Gaines weighed in on social media, slamming the media silence and WNBA inaction:
“If Caitlin Clark had said ‘f***ing Black girl’ in response, she’d be expelled from the league by now. The hypocrisy is disgusting. Racism should be condemned—no matter who it targets.”
Gaines’ sentiment is echoed by countless fans across platforms who see a pattern of racial animosity being tolerated when it’s directed at White athletes, especially when they’re conservative or not part of the establishment’s “approved narrative.”
Where’s the WNBA?
As of Saturday morning, the WNBA has not issued a statement. Clark has remained silent on the incident, but her fan base is growing increasingly vocal, demanding accountability and equal standards of behavior on the court.
Some critics are calling for:
-
Review of game footage for disciplinary action
-
A public apology from Griner
-
Official comment from the league and team ownership
Bottom Line: This Is Bigger Than Basketball
This is no longer just about a foul or a post-game comment—it’s about whether racial double standards are being institutionalized in women’s sports. The silence from the league only fuels division and resentment among fans and players alike.
If racial justice means anything, then it must apply to all races, all players, all the time—not just when it fits the narrative.
Will the WNBA prove it stands for equality—or expose that it doesn’t?