đ¨ BREAKING NEWS: Whoopi Goldberg Pledges to Follow Brittney Griner Out of America: âNo Respect for Talent Hereâ.
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Goldbergâs comments come at a critical moment, as Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant forces in womenâs basketball, continues to face an onslaught of criticism and prejudice. Despite her extraordinary achievements on the court, Griner has often found herself at the center of controversyâmuch of it rooted not in her performance, but in her race, gender, and sexual orientation.
During the recent episode of âThe View,â Goldberg addressed the ongoing scrutiny Griner faces, passionately urging viewers and critics alike to shift their focus. âBrittney Griner is an incredible athlete,â Goldberg said. âHer talent, dedication, and hard work speak volumes. Itâs time we appreciate her for her abilities and achievements rather than focusing on superficial differences.â
Goldbergâs defense of Griner is more than just support for a fellow public figureâitâs a call to action for society at large. In her impassioned plea, Goldberg highlighted the persistent double standards that Black athletes, and particularly Black women, encounter in the world of professional sports. âWe canât keep letting skin color cloud our judgment of someoneâs talent,â Goldberg continued. âWe need to celebrate what she brings to the game.â
Brittney Grinerâs journey to the top of womenâs basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing 6â9â with a wingspan and athleticism rarely seen in the sport, Griner has made an indelible mark on the WNBA since being drafted first overall in 2013 by the Phoenix Mercury. Her accolades include multiple All-Star selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a reputation as one of the leagueâs most formidable shot-blockers and scorers.
But Grinerâs path has not been without obstacles. Off the court, she has faced a barrage of criticismâmuch of it tinged with racism, sexism, and homophobia. From her outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights to her highly publicized detainment in Russia in 2022, Griner has endured scrutiny that often overshadows her professional accomplishments.
The recent wave of criticism, which intensified following her return from Russia and throughout her turbulent 2025 season, has once again put Griner in the national spotlight. For Goldberg and many others, the relentless focus on Grinerâs identity rather than her talent is both unfair and deeply troubling.
Goldbergâs defense of Griner is part of a larger conversation about race, equality, and the role of athletes in society. The issue of racial bias in sports is not new. For decades, athletes of colorâespecially Black athletesâhave faced disproportionate scrutiny, harsher criticism, and higher expectations than their white counterparts.
This double standard is not just a matter of public perception; it has real consequences for athletesâ careers and well-being. Studies have shown that Black athletes are more likely to be criticized for their demeanor, leadership style, and even their off-court behavior. For women like Griner, who also navigate the additional layers of gender and sexual orientation, the challenges are even greater.
âToo often, we see the narrative shifted away from the actual achievements of Black athletes,â said Dr. Angela Simmons, a sociologist specializing in race and sports. âWhat Whoopi Goldberg is saying is what many in the Black community have felt for years: talent should be recognized and celebrated, not overshadowed by bias.â
Goldbergâs message resonates far beyond the sports world. By urging people to judge Grinerâand by extension, all individualsâby their talent and character rather than their skin color, Goldberg is advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Her words echo the sentiments of ongoing movements for racial and gender equality, both in sports and in broader society. âRepresentation matters,â Goldberg said. âWhen young girlsâespecially young Black girlsâsee someone like Brittney Griner succeed, it shows them whatâs possible. But we have to make sure theyâre celebrated for the right reasons.â
Despite the challenges, Grinerâs impact on basketball is undeniable. Her presence on the court has changed the way the womenâs game is played, inspiring a new generation of athletes. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, both for her athletic accomplishments and her advocacy off the court.
Goldbergâs defense is a reminder that the true measure of an athleteâor any individualâlies in their abilities, dedication, and contributions. Itâs a call to move past outdated prejudices and to recognize the full humanity and talent of those who break barriers.
Whoopi Goldbergâs unwavering support for Brittney Griner is more than just a headlineâitâs a challenge to all of us. In urging viewers to âDonât judge her for skin color, look at her talent,â Goldberg is pushing for a fundamental change in how we perceive and value people, both in sports and beyond.
As conversations about race, gender, and equality continue to shape our society, Goldbergâs words serve as a powerful reminder of what truly matters. Brittney Grinerâs legacy will be defined not by the color of her skin, but by the extraordinary talent, dedication, and courage she brings to the gameâand to the world.