The Atlanta Dream Center’s decision stems from a note she discovered near the entrance to her hotel room in National Harbor, Maryland. Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women’s Leadership Summit on Feb. 17, but event organizers told attendees that Griner had pulled out after she saw “threatening objects and words” outside her hotel room.
Oct. 29, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., USA; WNBA player Brittney Griner joins Poder Latinx to promote “Cabalgata to the Polls,” a live Banda music and horseback riding event to celebrate the national vote earlier in the day. . .
The note in question contained the words “Gay Prison,” WUSA 9 reported. The words appeared to be written on a piece of tape.
The Prince George’s County Police Department has confirmed the launch of an investigation into the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the site of the convention.
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“Detectives learned the phrase ‘Gay Kid Jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” a police statement obtained by TMZ Sports Read. “At the time the tape was located, a major convention was taking place at the Gaylord, which attracted thousands of people, many of whom were interested in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have discovered no affiliation or threats against the Guest who located the tape.”
Gold medalist Brittney Griner of the United States holds the U.S. flag. (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)
Women Rising is an organization that brings women together with the goal of promoting leadership in the cannabis industry. Women Rising CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told WUSA9 that hotel staff claimed the message was a cruel prank left by a previous guest that was not ultimately removed by housekeeping.
“I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why the rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias said.
Investigators added that “detectives are working to determine who placed the tape, when it was placed, and the intent behind it.”
A 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated reportedly marked the first time Griner discussed her sexuality. During the interview, Griner was asked about the difference in public acceptance as it relates to male and female athletes revealing their sexuality.
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
“I can’t really give an answer as to why it’s different,” Griner told the outlet at the time. “Being one of those things, it’s just who you are. Again, like I said, it’s just who you are.” Griner added that she doesn’t prioritize what others think of her personal life.
“Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.
Griner, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been married to Cherelle Griner since 2019. The couple welcomed their first child in July 2024. Griner spent the first 11 seasons of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed with the Dream in January.
