In late May 2025, a viral video from a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream ignited a firestorm of controversy. The footage, captured during the Fever’s 81-76 victory on May 22, 2025, at State Farm Arena, appears to show Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner making a heated remark after fouling out. Social media posts, including one from former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, claimed Griner called Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark “trash” and a “f***ing white girl.” The allegations prompted widespread debate, with some calling for a WNBA investigation, while others questioned the accuracy of the claims.
The incident occurred in the game’s final moments when Griner committed her sixth foul, reportedly on Fever player Natasha Howard, not Clark. Lip-readers and online commentators have debated whether Griner’s words were directed at Clark or referred to the officiating, with some suggesting she said “wack call” instead. No audio evidence confirms the exact phrasing, and the WNBA has not publicly addressed the incident, unlike its swift investigation into unrelated allegations of racist fan behavior toward Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese on May 17, which found no evidence of misconduct.
Social media amplified the controversy, with posts on X claiming the Fever issued a warning and planned to sue Griner for “malicious actions and words.” However, no official statements from the Fever or Pacers Sports & Entertainment corroborate these claims. Sources like ESPN and Yahoo Sports focus instead on Clark’s absence from recent games due to a quad injury, which has impacted the Fever’s performance, leading to a three-game losing streak. The team’s struggles, compounded by injuries to players like Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham, have drawn more attention than any legal action.
Griner, in her first season with the Atlanta Dream after a trade from the Phoenix Mercury, has faced scrutiny before. Her frustration with officiating was evident in a May 24 halftime interview, where she directed an expletive at referees. This history fueled speculation about her comments in the Fever game, but without concrete evidence, the narrative remains speculative. Critics like Skip Bayless and Megyn Kelly have called for WNBA action, arguing the league’s silence contrasts with its response to other incidents. Conversely, commentators like Jemele Hill have dismissed the accusations, citing misinformation and lack of context.
The Fever, currently 2-4, are navigating a challenging season without Clark, a first-team All-WNBA selection. Her injury has reduced betting interest in Fever games by up to 50%, underscoring her impact on the league’s popularity. Meanwhile, Griner continues to perform, averaging nearly 15 points and seven rebounds per game. As the WNBA moves forward, the lack of official response suggests this controversy may fade, but it highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding stars like Clark and Griner in a league striving to maintain its growing momentum.
