Before the start of the season, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed that the league was working on a unique and “confidential” plan for Britteny Griner. And she did so once it became clear that the Phoenix Mercury star would need extra security and likely private travel to and from games. She recently became a controversial political figure due to her imprisonment in Russia. But now it appears the league has not followed its promises. At least, that’s what Brianna Turner has recently alleged. Turner took to Twitter on Saturday morning and lamented an issue with player safety while traveling.
“Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront,” Turner wrote, “People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner, unsure how to move about. We demand better.”
Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront. People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better.
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) June 10, 2023
The issue appears to have happened in Texas, as the Mercury played in Dallas on Friday night and likely traveled to Indiana for their game on Sunday. Griner seems to have been approached and harassed by a right-wing YouTube personality, Alex Stein.
I just met my favorite WNBA Player Brittney Griner
Video coming soon pic.twitter.com/h6BKy6kGAy
— Alex Stein #99 (@alexstein99) June 10, 2023
Those in the sports world weighed in on social media on the perceived lack of safety, with most aiming the league’s commissioner:
It was mentioned before the season that the league would have security measures while traveling, which is new this season. Not sure if those aren’t being followed or need to be increased, but this isn’t good.
Very important reason for the charter program to be expanded https://t.co/ytH774w8uB
— Blake (@blakesilverman) June 10, 2023
Player safety matters. This is awful. https://t.co/8guvA5m7A1
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) June 10, 2023
Folks really need to do better, smh. My Partner just let me know the Atlanta Dream will def have security travel with the team moving forward. https://t.co/vy4l0SqEiL
— Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) June 10, 2023
This is unacceptable @WNBA we need to be protecting our players at all times, not only in arenas! https://t.co/wWxOSVHVSk
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) June 10, 2023
This behavior is a national embarrassment. The cultural and social conditioning behind individuals acting like this is an unacceptable root of injustice. These athletes should be able to travel safely; grown adults should mind their own business if they aren’t going to be kind. https://t.co/5dEmOAzfhh
— jennaG. (@this_is_JennaG) June 10, 2023
How was the HIGH possibly of this happening not taken into consideration before the season and addressed accordingly?? https://t.co/7LJV6IVpwt
— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) June 10, 2023
This is extremely disappointing. I asked Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about security for Brittney Griner at the 2023 Draft.
"We all want to protect all of our players. So we're looking at additional security for all of our players, not just Brittany, but Brittany definitely." https://t.co/jwoHEmOipG pic.twitter.com/pGlWRcFu3x
— Erica L. Ayala (Eye-Yah-La) 💪🏽 (@elindsay08) June 10, 2023
Awful. Chartering flights isn’t just about comfort—though players would compete at an even higher level with improved travel amenities—but about player safety, which must be paramount. I truly hope there’s a way to be proactive here, rather than waiting for a horrific incident. https://t.co/pzUtY3LeFD
— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) June 10, 2023
As of the timing of this article, there’s been no word yet from the WNBA.
