In a bizarre incident at the Dallas airport on Saturday, WNBA star Brittney Griner found herself at the center of a confrontation with a self-proclaimed “social media figure and provocateur.”
The individual in question, Alex Stein, took to Twitter claiming that the WNBA was crafting press releases about him, hinting at an encounter with Griner. The details of the alleged incident remain unclear.
As Griner and her team were making their way through the airport, Stein approached them, demanding to know why she harbored animosity towards the United States and persisted in boycotting the nation.
A vigilant security guard promptly intervened, thwarting Stein’s disruptive behavior. Griner’s teammate aptly described him as “weird,” highlighting the absurdity of the encounter.
To Stein’s bewildering remarks, he countered, “Am I weird? Why, because America is what she hates?”
Stein went on to mention Viktor Bout, the notorious “Merchant of Death,” referencing the prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States that secured Griner’s release from a Russian prison.
In a surprising turn, this season Griner announced her intention to “definitely stand” for the national anthem, despite facing criticism in the past for kneeling.
Returning to the WNBA, Griner expressed how the national anthem resonated with her, comparing it to the exhilaration of standing on an Olympic podium, adorned with medals and the stirring sound of the anthem filling the air—a sentiment that touched her deeply.
The Mercury organization is currently “reviewing the incident,” affirming their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their players and staff. They emphasized their ongoing support for Griner and their dedication to fighting against bigotry and standing up for those who have been marginalized. No individual, regardless of their identity, should ever feel threatened.
The next course of action will be determined in collaboration with the WNBA, who had previously worked with the Phoenix Mercury and Griner’s team to ensure her safety during travel, including charter flights and assigned security personnel.
With a season record of 1-5 following their recent 90-77 loss to the Wings in Dallas, the Mercury aims to regroup and refocus on their upcoming games, leaving this peculiar airport encounter behind them.