Brittney Griner Harassed in Dallas Airport; WNBPA Demands Change
Brittney Griner, a player for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association, experienced a troubling encounter at Dallas International Airport. The incident, which the league described as harassment, involved a man who has since released a video providing his account of what took place, Clutch Points noted.
Alex Stein, a comedian, and YouTuber, uploaded a video criticizing Griner and raising doubts about her patriotism as an American. In the video, Stein asks Griner if she still wants to boycott America.
Security detained Stein shortly after this exchange. Another individual, clearly bothered by Stein's behavior, called him "weird," he responded by citing Griner's alleged hate for America.
During the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, Griner advocated for eliminating the National Anthem, a topic that has long divided the nation.
Given the contentious nature of the issue, it is not surprising that Stein, a self-proclaimed populist with conservative leanings, took offense. Griner has stated that the Anthem now holds a different meaning for her, considering her experiences.
It is worth noting that Stein faced accusations of sexual harassment in 2022 over a separate video in which he made inappropriate comments directed at U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
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Brittney Griner Harassment Prompts Immediate Changes to WNBA Travel Policy
Brianna Turner, a forward for the Mercury in the WNBA, has come forward with allegations of harassment.
According to Turner's Twitter post, a man followed the team and recorded them while making disturbing remarks. The incident occurred as the Mercury players were gathered in a secluded area of the airport, discussing their next steps.
The Brittney Griner harassment incident prompted immediate changes to WNBA travel policy that prohibits teams with the financial means from chartering flights, according to Chicago Suntimes.
The Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) raised concerns about this decision and questioned whether the league and teams would consider more flexible rules regarding charter travel in 2023, aiming to enhance their bargaining power.
The WNBA issued a statement denouncing the individual involved, Alex Stein, describing him as a "provocateur." The league condemned his behavior as "inappropriate and unfortunate."
Brittney Griner Is Allowed Fly Charter Through the 2023 Season
A league source has informed The Athletic that Brittney Griner, a prominent WNBA player, will have the privilege of flying charter for the entire 2023 season.
This arrangement indicates a notable exception to the league's policy on charter travel.
Griner faced a distressing situation in February 2022 when police detained her at a Moscow-area airport.
Authorities discovered vape canisters in her luggage containing less than one gram of hashish oil. The incident occurred as Griner returned to Russia to rejoin her team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, in the Euroleague following a FIBA break.
The arrest led Russian authorities to launch an investigation into suspicions of Griner's involvement in the transportation of drugs on a larger scale.
After five months, the WNBA center faced trial and was found guilty of drug smuggling and possession charges on August 4. Consequently, she received a severe nine-year prison sentence.
However, an unexpected turn occurred when Brittney Griner was released from prison on December 8. Her release was reportedly part of a prisoner exchange, with convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout being the other individual involved. Griner returned to the United States following her release.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: WNBA investigating after Brittney Griner reportedly harassed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport - From KHOU 11