The WNBA’s early-season spotlight turned white-hot on Thursday night, not because of a game-winner or a breakout performance, but due to a controversial moment involving two of the league’s most high-profile figures.
Following a physical and intense matchup between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream, Brittney Griner is under fire after being caught on camera allegedly hurling a racially charged insult at star Caitlin Clark.
In what was already a chippy contest, Griner fouled out in the fourth quarter of Indiana’s 81-76 win. Cameras appeared to catch her yelling “trash f***ing white girl” in the direction of Clark as she exited the court.
Though no microphone officially captured the audio, the video quickly circulated on social media and triggered a firestorm of commentary.
Brittney Griner to Caitlin Clark after fouling out last night:
“Trash f***ing white girl” 😳
pic.twitter.com/GtXQULuImr
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) May 24, 2025
The moment was already tense. Clark and Rhyne Howard had exchanged words in the first quarter, and Clark was involved in multiple physical plays throughout the game. This wasn’t the first heated incident involving Clark either, she had a highly publicized run-in with Angel Reese earlier in the season, further fueling the national spotlight on the Fever star.
But the Griner comment took the discourse in a new direction. While some fans dismissed it as typical trash talk in the heat of battle, others pointed to a double standard and called for accountability.
Former NCAA swimmer and activist Riley Gaines led the charge, reposting the clip on social media and referencing Griner’s controversial return from Russian detention in 2022.
Brittney Griner appeared to call Caitlin Clark “trash” and a “f***ing white girl” after fouling out last night.
Just a reminder: this is who we traded for the Russian Merchant of Death.
Now imagine if Clark had said the inverse. pic.twitter.com/iMzf6JaYfo
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) May 24, 2025
Many echoed that sentiment, arguing that if Clark had been the one using racially charged language, the outrage and media coverage would be explosive. Some fans even called for a suspension or fine, citing that no form of racial language should be tolerated, regardless of the player or context.
Conversely, some attempted to defend Griner, saying the comment might have been directed at a white referee who made the foul call. The ambiguity has fueled speculation, though no official clarification has come from the Dream, the Fever, or the WNBA.
At present, neither Griner nor Clark has publicly commented on the clip. The WNBA has yet to release a formal statement or confirm any disciplinary action, though insiders report the league is aware and reviewing the footage.
The incident occurred during what was meant to be a celebratory period for the WNBA, with increased national attention thanks to rookie stars like Clark. However, the growing divide between established veterans and high-profile newcomers like Clark has highlighted deeper issues in the league, issues that touch on race, favoritism, and how the spotlight is shared.
If nothing else, this moment reminds the sports world that words matter and when spoken in the national spotlight, they can spark far more than just a postgame debate.
