Basketball Player Griner Harassed at Airport by YouTuber

Basketball Player Griner Harassed at Airport by YouTuber

The detention of basketball player Brittney Griner in Russia has engaged US politics at the highest level. Now, Griner and her team had a scary moment at the Dallas-Forth Worth airport when approached by a YouTuber.

The US basketball player Brittney Griner, who spent a long time in jail in Russia, and her Phoenix Mercury teammates were verbally harassed by a YouTuber at the Dallas-Forth Worth airport. The YouTuber shared a video on Twitter, including shouting towards Griner, saying that she hates America.

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) league called the YouTuber's behavior "inappropriate and regrettable." They referred to him as "provocateur" in their statement. The league had worked with Phoenix Mercury before the season to "ensure their travel safety, which includes charter flights and assigned security personnel at all times."

Griner's teammate Brianna Turner, tweeted about "excessive harassment. Our team was huddled in the corner nervously, unsure where to move."

Normally, the WNBA teams travel on commercial flights, which the Women's National Basketball Players' Association (WNBPA) has frequently criticized. "Every commercial flight put upon our players is a threat to their health and safety," explained the players' union after Griner incident.

Griner returned to the basketball court this season after spending ten months in jail in Russia on drug possession charges. The Olympic champion was released as part of a prisoner exchange, and US President Joe Biden had campaigned for her release.