Ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner says the WNBA’s « new fans » crossed the line this year.The Phoenix Mercury star opened up about the « racial slurs » she and other players heard from « new fans » throughout the 2024 season. »I don’t appreciate the new fans that sit there and yell racial slurs at myself, my teammates and the people that I play against because, yeah, those might be opponents but those are friends too, » Griner said Thursday night. « They don’t deserve that. So, I don’t appreciate the new fans who think it’s OK to do that.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM »But I do appreciate the new fans that respect the game, that are here to grow our league, bringing people that maybe never watched the W to a WNBA game so that we can grow our fans. »A number of players have spoken out on hateful comments and vitriol, and the WNBA put out a statement earlier this week to acknowledge the issue.WNBPA ISSUES SCATHING STATEMENT ACCUSING USA TODAY COLUMNIST OF INTERVIEW ‘DESIGNED TO FUEL’ RACISM »The WNBA is a competitive league with some of the most elite athletes in the world. While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments made about players, teams and anyone affiliated with the league, » the statement said.Griner was in her second season back in the league after missing the 2022 campaign while being imprisoned in Russia.Last year, Griner was involved in an incident with a social media sensation who asked her why she « hates » and « still want[s] to boycott » America.The WNBA playoffs began earlier this week.Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
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Publish date : 2024-09-28 03:33:32
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