Caught on camera: Did Brittney Griner just drop a racial slur on Caitlin Clark?
Brittney Griner Appears to Hurl Racial Slur at Caitlin Clark During Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream Game – May 23, 2025/ Image/ X, file (AP)
Brittney Griner Sparks Outrage After Alleged Comments Toward Caitlin Clark in Heated WNBA MatchTensions flared during Thursday night’s WNBA clash between the Indiana Fever and the Atlanta Dream — but not just over points and plays.
A fiery on-court moment between WNBA star Brittney Griner and rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has now turned into a viral controversy, drawing strong reactions from fans and public figures alike.
The May 23 rematch between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream had playoff energy, especially after the Dream’s earlier win that week. This time, it was the Fever who came out on top with a narrow 81-76 victory. Clark finished with 11 points and 6 assists, while the Dream’s Rhyne Howard led with 24 points, and Allisha Gray added 11.But it wasn’t the box score that got fans talking.
During the second half, Brittney Griner was called for a foul on Clark following a screen, with the 6’9″ center appearing to raise an elbow. Clark reacted dramatically, which some fans dismissed as a flop. However, the tension didn’t end there.As Griner fouled out of the game, cameras appeared to catch her yelling toward Clark, allegedly calling her “trash” and a “f*ing white girl**.”
The clip quickly made rounds online, and one of the loudest responses came from Riley Gaines, former NCAA swimmer and outspoken social activist. Gaines reposted the video on X (formerly Twitter), and wrote:“Brittney Griner appeared to call Caitlin Clark ‘trash’ and a ‘f***ing white girl’ after fouling out last night. Just a reminder: this is who we traded for the Russian Merchant of Death.
Now imagine if Clark had said the inverse!”Gaines’ post references Griner’s 2022 detainment in Russia, where she spent nearly a year in prison after being caught with cannabis oil, before being released in a high-profile prisoner swap involving arms dealer Viktor Bout — often dubbed the “Merchant of Death.”Gaines has previously criticized other WNBA players for their treatment of Clark, including calling out Angel Reese days earlier for what she described as “rude conduct” during another WNBA game.
The video clip led to explosive debate across social media. Some fans condemned Griner’s comments as racially inappropriate, while others defended her or questioned the context.“Why does anyone tolerate the racism of the WNBA?” one fan wrote. “We should boycott that sport until that gets cleared up. White girl schooling the Black girls and they can’t handle it. Bravo!”
Another added: “Fire her! No room for this kind of racism.”Some even reignited criticism of Griner’s past, with one post stating, “Should’ve left him in Russian jail.”Others tried to clarify, claiming Griner’s insult may have been directed at a referee, not Clark. “NO, she’s calling a white referee that… get your facts straight,” one said.“Why look at everything through the lens of race?” another commenter asked, in an attempt to cool tensions.No official statement has yet been made by Brittney Griner, Caitlin Clark, the WNBA, or either team.
The incident between Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark is definitely stirring up a lot of emotions. It’s unfortunate to see such tension on the court, especially when it spills over into personal remarks. Griner’s alleged comments seem to have crossed a line, and it’s hard to ignore the racial undertones. On the other hand, Clark’s reaction, whether genuine or exaggerated, has added fuel to the fire. It’s disappointing that a competitive game has turned into a platform for controversy. Riley Gaines’ response, while passionate, seems to be adding more division rather than fostering understanding. Do you think this situation could have been handled differently by both players to avoid such a public fallout?