Is Brittney Griner a MAN? Caitlin Clark Feud Brings Back Old Clip

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Brittney Griner, Caitlin Clark, and the WNBA: Rumors, Rivalries, and the Truth Behind the Headlines

June 2025

The WNBA has found itself at the center of heated debate and viral controversy once again, this time not just for its on-court drama but for the persistent, sensational rumors swirling around two of its most prominent athletes: Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark. As social media users, commentators, and even political figures weigh in, the conversation has veered from legitimate sports rivalry to accusations, identity speculation, and broader questions about fairness, racism, and gender in women’s sports.

The Incident: Griner vs. Clark

The latest firestorm began when a clip surfaced online showing an altercation between Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury’s star center, and Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s much-discussed rookie. The video, which quickly went viral, appeared to show Griner using harsh language and displaying aggressive behavior toward Clark during a heated moment on the court.

Some commentators, including Olympic swimmer Riley Gaines, claimed that Griner called Clark a “trash” and an “effing white girl” after fouling out of the game. Gaines and others argued that if the roles were reversed—if a white player had made similar remarks toward a Black athlete—the outrage would be far greater and the league’s response much swifter.

The WNBA, which recently launched a “No Space for Hate” campaign to combat racism and discrimination, found itself under renewed scrutiny. Critics questioned whether the league was enforcing its standards consistently and whether incidents involving race were being treated with equal seriousness regardless of the identities involved.

The League Responds

In response to the viral clip and the accusations leveled against Griner, the WNBA issued a statement acknowledging the incident and reiterating its commitment to investigating all claims of inappropriate behavior or language on the court. “The WNBA is committed to upholding the highest standards of respect and inclusion,” the statement read. “We are aware of the incident involving Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark and are reviewing all available evidence.”

Some sports analysts urged caution, noting that emotions run high during intense games and that sideline comments are often made in the heat of the moment. “Players aren’t used to every word being caught on camera or microphone,” one commentator said. “It’s important to distinguish between genuine malice and the kind of trash talk that’s part of competitive sports.”

Still, others insisted that the WNBA must hold all players to the same standard, regardless of race or reputation. “If the league wants to be taken seriously on issues of equity and respect, it can’t pick and choose when to enforce its own rules,” said a columnist for a major sports outlet.

The Resurrection of Old Rumors

As the debate over the Griner-Clark incident raged, another, even more sensational topic resurfaced on social media: the persistent rumor that Brittney Griner is not, in fact, a woman.

This rumor, which has circulated in various corners of the internet for years, re-emerged after some users began sharing old Instagram videos and photos of Griner, speculating about her appearance, physique, and even her social media history. Some posts pointed to Griner’s topless photos on Instagram, arguing that the platform’s AI detection systems would have flagged and removed the images if she were a biological female. Others floated conspiracy theories, suggesting that Griner was either a transgender man, an intersex individual, or even a cisgender man raised as a girl.

These claims, often couched in speculative or mocking language, have been widely debunked by credible sources and dismissed by those close to Griner. Nevertheless, their reappearance highlights the toxic intersection of sports, gender, and online rumor-mongering.

Who Is Brittney Griner?

Brittney Griner has been one of the WNBA’s most recognizable and successful players for over a decade. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, Griner has long been known for her dominant presence on the court, her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and her resilience in the face of adversity—including her highly publicized detention in Russia in 2022.

Griner has always been open about her identity as a gay woman. She has never claimed to be transgender or intersex, and there is no credible evidence to support any claims to the contrary. The speculation about her gender is rooted in stereotypes about women athletes—especially Black women—who do not conform to traditional expectations of femininity.

As one sports journalist put it, “Brittney Griner is a woman. She has played women’s basketball at the highest level for years, passed every league-mandated test, and has lived her life openly and authentically. The rumors about her gender are not just baseless—they’re harmful.”

The Broader Debate: Gender, Fairness, and Women’s Sports

The rumors about Griner are not occurring in a vacuum. They are part of a broader, ongoing debate about gender, biology, and fairness in women’s sports. In recent years, the participation of transgender women in female sports leagues has become a flashpoint in the so-called “culture war,” with politicians, activists, and athletes weighing in from all sides.

Former President Donald Trump has made the issue a frequent talking point, issuing executive orders aimed at restricting transgender athletes’ participation in women’s sports and criticizing states that refuse to comply. Supporters argue that such policies are necessary to preserve fairness and protect opportunities for cisgender women, while opponents say they are discriminatory and based on misinformation.

Riley Gaines and other activists have called for stricter enforcement of biological sex categories in sports, arguing that men have inherent physiological advantages over women. They point to differences in lung capacity, bone density, and muscle mass as evidence that allowing transgender women or men to compete in women’s leagues is unfair.

However, major sports organizations—including the WNBA, NCAA, and the International Olympic Committee—have established policies to address these concerns, typically requiring transgender women to undergo hormone therapy and meet specific criteria to ensure a level playing field.

Social Media and the Spread of Misinformation

The Griner controversy also raises important questions about the role of social media in shaping public perceptions and spreading misinformation. Viral posts, videos, and memes can quickly amplify rumors, regardless of their accuracy, and can have real-world consequences for the individuals involved.

Experts warn that the dehumanization and targeting of athletes based on their appearance or identity is not only unfair but can also contribute to a hostile environment for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. “We have to be careful not to let online speculation override facts and respect for people’s privacy,” said a spokesperson for the Women’s Sports Foundation. “Athletes deserve to be judged on their performance, not on baseless rumors or stereotypes.”

The Human Cost

For Griner, the constant speculation about her gender is just one of many challenges she has faced in her career. In addition to her athletic achievements, she has endured public scrutiny, legal battles, and even international political crises. Through it all, she has remained focused on her game and her advocacy.

Caitlin Clark, meanwhile, finds herself in the spotlight as both a rising star and a lightning rod for controversy. Her talent and popularity have brought new attention to the WNBA, but also new pressures and expectations.

Both athletes, in their own ways, exemplify the resilience and complexity of women in sports today. They are not just competitors—they are symbols of larger conversations about identity, equality, and the future of athletics.

Moving Forward: Respect, Accountability, and the Spirit of Sport

As the WNBA navigates these turbulent waters, the league’s response to both the on-court incident and the off-court rumors will be closely watched. Fans, athletes, and commentators alike are calling for accountability, transparency, and—perhaps most importantly—respect.

Trash talk and fierce rivalries are part of what makes sports compelling, but they should never cross the line into personal attacks or discrimination. Likewise, legitimate debates about fairness and inclusion must be grounded in facts, not fueled by rumor or prejudice.

For the WNBA, the path forward involves not only enforcing its standards consistently but also standing up for its players—on and off the court. That means addressing incidents of inappropriate behavior, supporting athletes who are targeted by misinformation, and fostering an environment where all women, regardless of their background or identity, can thrive.

Conclusion: Beyond the Headlines

The latest WNBA controversy is about more than just a feud between two star players. It is a reflection of the broader challenges facing women’s sports in an era of rapid social change and digital amplification. As fans and observers, we have a responsibility to engage with these issues thoughtfully and respectfully—to separate fact from fiction, to call out injustice where it exists, and to celebrate the achievements of athletes who continue to break barriers.

Brittney Griner is a woman, a champion, and a trailblazer. Caitlin Clark is a rising star with the potential to redefine the game. Both deserve to be recognized for their talent, their courage, and their contributions to the sport—not reduced to viral rumors or political talking points.

As the season continues and the spotlight shines ever brighter, perhaps the greatest victory will be a renewed commitment to fairness, integrity, and respect—for all athletes, in every league, and on every court.

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