WNBA star Brittney Griner was the subject of a viral moment on social media over the weekend when so-called «provocateur» Alex Stein tweeted a video of himself asking questions of the Phoenix Mercury center as she and her team walked through a Dallas airport.
Stein was walking with Griner and other team members at the airport when he asked Griner why he «hates» and «still wants to[s] to boycott» the United States. Security shoved Stein, and was later called «weird» by another team member.
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Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner hugs her former college teammate, Dallas Wings guard Odyssey Sims, after their game in Arlington, Texas on Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The incident prompted statements from the WNBA and the Mercury. Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, also tweeted about the incident.
«Brittney Griner and the players of the @WNBA are leaders who inspire hope for a better, more inclusive and less divided America. They are celebrated for the way their activism inspires positive change. In doing so, they also become target of hate, threats and violence. and today’s incident is a stark reminder of that,» he tweeted.
«We cannot celebrate these women and their leadership without protecting them as well.
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner grabs a rebound in front of teammate Brianna Turner, right, during a game in Arlington, Texas on Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
«It’s about time for enhanced cards and security measures for all players.»
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Stein asked Griner about his release, specifically about America’s trade with convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout by Griner, who was arrested on drug charges in February 2022.
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».
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner questions a call during a Dallas Wings game in Arlington, Texas on Friday, June 9, 2023. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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«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.»
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.