Brittney Griner has once again opened up about the pain she endured during her time at Baylor University, this time directing strong criticism at head coach Kim Mulkey. The basketball star, who has been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and her struggles as a gay athlete, recently revealed how deeply Mulkey’s treatment affected her. In an emotional statement, Griner declared that if Kim Mulkey is not removed from her position, she will consider leaving the United States to represent another country in international competition.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, has often spoken about her challenges at Baylor, a private Baptist university known for its conservative values. During her tenure with the Lady Bears, she led the team to a national championship in 2012, establishing herself as one of the most dominant forces in college basketball history. However, despite her on-court success, Griner has long described an environment of exclusion and rejection due to her sexual orientation.
In a recent interview, Griner shared her frustrations about Mulkey’s alleged lack of support during her time at Baylor. She recalled moments when she felt silenced and pressured to hide her identity to align with the school’s religious beliefs. Griner emphasized that Mulkey never openly acknowledged or supported her as a gay athlete, making her college experience emotionally challenging.
“She insulted me deeply,” Griner stated. “She made me feel like I wasn’t enough, like I had to hide who I was to be accepted. I couldn’t be myself at Baylor because I knew there was no real support from my own coach.”
This revelation has reignited debates over Mulkey’s long-standing reluctance to publicly discuss LGBTQ+ issues. While other college coaches have taken progressive stances in supporting LGBTQ+ athletes, Mulkey has remained largely silent on the matter, refusing to answer questions about Griner’s sexuality or offer public backing. Her refusal to stand up for Griner has not gone unnoticed, and many fans and analysts have criticized her lack of advocacy for inclusivity in college sports.
Griner’s bold stance comes at a time when discussions about inclusion and equality in sports have gained significant momentum. Many athletes have spoken out against discrimination and called for more accountability from coaches and institutions. Griner’s decision to potentially leave the U.S. to compete for another country is a powerful statement against what she perceives as an ongoing culture of intolerance.
“If Kim Mulkey isn’t fired, I don’t see myself staying in a country where discrimination is still tolerated,” Griner said. “I love representing my country, but I refuse to continue in a system that allows coaches like her to treat LGBTQ+ athletes this way. There are other nations that value inclusion and respect, and I will explore my options.”
Her comments have sparked intense reactions from the sports world. Some fans and former players have rallied behind her, urging Baylor University and LSU, where Mulkey currently coaches, to address these concerns. Others believe that Griner’s criticism is unfair and that Mulkey should not be forced into making public statements about her players’ personal lives.
Mulkey, who is now the head coach at LSU, has yet to respond to Griner’s remarks. Known for her fiery personality and old-school coaching style, Mulkey has built a successful career, leading her teams to multiple championships. However, her refusal to acknowledge LGBTQ+ issues continues to cast a shadow over her legacy.
This is not the first time Griner has considered representing another country. In 2023, after her detainment in Russia, she faced a difficult decision regarding her future in international competition. Though she ultimately returned to play for Team USA, her latest statements suggest that her patience with the U.S. sports system is wearing thin.
The possibility of Griner switching national teams raises questions about the broader landscape of sports and LGBTQ+ representation. Many nations have taken steps toward fostering more inclusive environments for athletes, and some have actively recruited American players facing discrimination at home. If Griner follows through on her decision, it could set a precedent for other athletes in similar situations to seek opportunities abroad.
Baylor University has yet to issue a statement regarding Griner’s comments, but the pressure is mounting. Advocacy groups and sports organizations are calling for the school to address its policies regarding LGBTQ+ athletes and take a stand against discrimination. The NCAA has also faced scrutiny over its handling of inclusion policies, with many critics arguing that stronger measures are needed to protect athletes from discrimination.
As the debate unfolds, Griner remains steadfast in her beliefs. Her courage in speaking out against past injustices highlights the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ athletes face in sports. Whether or not her demands lead to action against Mulkey, Griner’s words have reignited a critical conversation about acceptance and equality in athletics.
Her willingness to take drastic measures to stand up for her identity underscores the importance of this issue. Griner’s legacy as a basketball icon is already well-established, but her impact as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights continues to grow. The sports world will be watching closely to see if Baylor, LSU, or the NCAA respond to her concerns.
In the meantime, Griner’s potential decision to leave the United States and compete for another country sends a strong message: no athlete should have to choose between their career and their identity. If institutions refuse to change, athletes like Griner are proving they have the power to take their talents elsewhere.
