WNBA Statement reagarding incident involving Brittney Griner at Dallas Airport

The WNBA issued the following statement regarding today’s incident involving the Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner:

“As we gather additional information about today’s incident at the Dallas Airport, it has come to our attention that this was orchestrated by a social media figure and provocateur. His actions were inappropriate and unfortunate.”

“The safety of Brittney Griner and all WNBA players is our top priority. Prior to the season, the WNBA worked together with the Phoenix Mercury and BG’s team to ensure her safety during her travel, which included charter flights for WNBA games and assigned security personnel with her at all times. We remain steadfastly committed to the highest standards of security for players.”

Full press conference: Brittney Griner discusses her return to basketball court with Phoenix Mercury

WNBA star Brittney Griner discussed her return to the basketball court with the Phoenix Mercury at a press conference Thursday ahead of the team's 2023 training camp. Griner spent nearly 10 months imprisoned on drug charges in Russia before she was freed in December in a prisoner swap. Watch the full press conference below.

Mercury players will wear Breonna Taylor's name on jerseys in WNBA opener

Phoenix Mercury players will wear Breonna Taylor jerseys in WNBA opener.

Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot when police officers burst into her Louisville apartment using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. The warrant to search her home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there and no drugs were found.

Phoenix players’ jerseys will feature a nameplate that reads “Breonna Taylor” below each player’s number and last name. Additionally, the Mercury will warm up in shirts that read “Black Lives Matter” on the front and “Say Her Name” on the back.

The team, which is in a bubbble in Florida, will open the 2020 campaign this Saturday against the Los Angeles Sparks. The opener tips at 12 p.m. and will be available to watch on ABC.

[SOURCE: ARIZONA SPORTS]