Phoenix Mercury v Seattle Storm - Source: Getty

Phoenix Mercury vs Seattle Storm

Brittney Griner was the latest to shed light on racism from fans in the WNBA. Speaking to the media after the Phoenix Mercury’s playoff campaign ended at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx, the 10-time WNBA All-Star weighed in on how it wasn’t right from the fans to direct racial slurs at herself and the other players.

This comes on the back of the Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas ripping into the Indiana Fever fans who reportedly spewed vitriol at her after the Sun eliminated Indiana from playoff contention.

“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 my best opponents but those are friends too,” Griner said.

Griner also added that the league had to take stern and swift action rather than putting out a “way overdue” statement condemning racist, derogatory or threatening comments toward players.

“We deserve to play in a safe environment”: Brittney Griner condemns racism and abuse toward players

Speaking to the press, Brittney Griner explained the need for players to take the hardwood in a safe environment. She said that the players had a job and a responsibility, and fans could be made well aware of the fact.

“I don’t think it’s right, but yeah, just being swift with it, making a statement, making a stand. Fans that come to games and they want to show out in the wrong way, they don’t need to be in there and that should be around for everybody, not just certain arenas or certain players. It needs to be upheld for everybody because we all deserve to play in a safe environment. We’re out here to play and not worry about racial and just sexist comments,” Griner said.

Quite a few players have been at the receiving end of abuse and boos from fans, including Thomas against the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces fans booing Dearica Hamby during the regular season. Earlier, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese had also weighed in on the abuse.

Griner herself was subjected to intense criticism and unwarranted racial abuse after one of her altercations with LA Sparks rookie Rickea Jackson. Social media was flooded with comments that showed how relentless and insensitive fans could be. It remains to be seen if the league can take better measures to prevent racial abuse and hate in the days to come.