Brittney Griner harassed at Dallas airport, agent calls for ‘enhanced security measures for all players’

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https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/10/sport/brittney-griner-dallas-airport-harassment/index.html

 

Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was freed from Russia late last year after being wrongfully detained, was harassed Saturday by a man described as a social media “provocateur” at a Dallas airport.

A source familiar with the incident told CNN that around 9:30 am CT, Griner was at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport traveling with Phoenix Mercury teammates on their way to a game.

Griner was confronted by the man who was yelling at her about “the Merchant of Death.” The confrontation got so heated that the man was tackled, and law enforcement was involved, according to the source.

CNN has reached out to local law enforcement and the DFW airport about the incident.

 

“The health and well-being of our players and staff are our top priority and we will always take every step within our power to protect player safety,” the statement said.

“No one, regardless of identity, should ever fear for their safety. We will be coordinating with the WNBA on next steps,” it continued.

Griner’s teammate, Brianna Turner, posted to Twitter on Saturday, saying, “Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront. People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better.”

 

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I think I would recognise Bob, but any other member of the WNBA?  I thought they would be delighted somebody recognised them.

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What does the team spokesperson mean by saying “regardless of identity”?

Edited June 11, 2023 by Dashinka

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The video of this horrific incident is now on You Tube and extremely triggering.

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Phoenix Mercury to adjust travel arrangements following Brittney Griner harassment incident, head coach says

 

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/11/sport/brittney-griner-phoenix-mercury-travel-safety/index.html

 

In a statement Saturday, the WNBA said it worked with the Mercury and Griner’s team to ensure her safety prior to the season, adding that she had been given permission to charter flights.

ARLINGTON, TX - June 9:  Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw during the game against the Dallas Wings on June 9, 2023 at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brittney Griner harassed at Dallas airport, agent calls for 'enhanced security measures for all players'
Mercury center Brianna Turner called the harassment incident “very alarming,” saying it was “startling” to have people waiting for them at the gate shouting and causing a scene.

“That’s obviously nothing no one wants to deal with, especially when you’re on a business trip for work,” she said.

Griner’s longtime teammate and WNBA star Diana Taurasi said that the harassment occurred during the team’s first public appearance since Griner’s release.

“It was literally the first time we were in public together,” Taurasi said.

Describing the incident as “unnerving,” Taurasi said the players’ safety comes first.

 

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Unclear what will happen if a Journalist asks one of the other WNBA players a question. 

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The latest from Bob who has a book out:

 

https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/brittney-griner-speaks-1st-time-released-russian-prison-109844035