Brittney Griner: Stephen A. Smith on | Gender Controversy | Gender

Brittney Griner, the iconic WNBA star known for her dominance on the court and her high-profile return from Russian detention, has often found herself at the center of media and political discussions. Recently, her name has resurfaced due to renewed commentary from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith regarding gender norms and the treatment of female athletes in sports. The Brittney Griner gender controversy is emblematic of a much broader debate—one that questions how gender identity, societal expectations, and sports intersect.

In this article, we explore what Stephen A. Smith said, how Brittney Griner responded (if at all), and what it all means for gender discourse in sports.

Who Is Brittney Griner?

Brittney Griner is one of the most recognized figures in women’s basketball. Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, she played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears and led them to an NCAA championship in 2012. Known for her shot-blocking and dunking abilities, Griner has been a transformative figure in the WNBA since being drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013.

Over the years, Griner has won multiple WNBA All-Star selections, Olympic gold medals, and helped grow the visibility of women’s basketball in the U.S. and abroad. However, her gender expression and identity have always attracted commentary—sometimes supportive, sometimes deeply controversial.

Stephen A. Smith’s Commentary on Brittney Griner

The ESPN Segment That Sparked Controversy

During a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith addressed a broader conversation about gender norms in sports. While discussing pay disparities, media treatment, and recognition of female athletes, Smith brought up Brittney Griner as a key example.

In his words:

“If Brittney Griner was a man and played the way she does—dunking, dominating—she’d be a global brand. But because she’s a woman, we marginalize her impact. That’s a gender issue, not a performance issue.”

While Smith’s intention appeared to be highlighting gender inequality in sports, some interpreted his comments as controversial due to how he framed Griner’s gender in the conversation. It reopened debates surrounding her perceived masculinity, public image, and how society views powerful female athletes.

Brittney Griner and Gender: The Ongoing Public Fascination

Challenging Gender Norms

Brittney Griner has never conformed to traditional gender expectations. With her deep voice, towering height (6’9”), tattoos, and assertive presence, she challenges what mainstream media traditionally expects of female athletes. Griner has publicly identified as a lesbian and is married to Cherelle Griner. She has also spoken about bullying she experienced growing up due to her appearance and voice.

In a 2013 interview with ESPN, Griner said:

“I’ve always been different. It took a while for me to embrace that difference. But now I see it as my strength.”

That strength has also made her a lightning rod in discussions about gender and sports. Many fans, critics, and media outlets misgender her or speculate on her identity, contributing to the Brittney Griner gender controversy that continues today.

The Gender Controversy: Where Does It Stand?

Online Speculation and Transphobia

Much of the controversy surrounding Brittney Griner’s gender has been driven by online speculation and misinformation. Trolls on social media frequently question her biological sex, spreading baseless claims that she is transgender or a man pretending to be a woman.

These claims are not only false but also deeply transphobic. They reflect a societal discomfort with women who don’t fit into conventional gender molds. Griner has never identified as anything other than a cisgender woman and has publicly addressed the pain caused by such speculation.

Media Responsibility

The media plays a significant role in either reinforcing or dismantling harmful narratives. While mainstream outlets like ESPN and The New York Times treat Griner with respect and recognize her achievements, tabloid-style websites and certain podcast platforms contribute to the spread of gender-related conspiracy theories.

Stephen A. Smith, though often controversial himself, used his platform to advocate for female athletes like Griner. Still, his phrasing may have unintentionally sparked more discourse than intended.

Stephen A. Smith Clarifies His Position

Following the initial backlash, Stephen A. Smith took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify:

“My commentary wasn’t about questioning Brittney Griner’s gender. It was about how society devalues female athletes based on archaic gender roles. Brittney is a phenomenal athlete and deserves respect.”

This statement helped calm some of the backlash. However, it highlighted the importance of careful language when discussing sensitive issues like gender identity—especially when addressing a public figure already battling stereotypes.

Gender in Sports: The Bigger Picture

Pay Disparity and Representation

The Brittney Griner gender controversy is part of a broader pattern. Female athletes across sports—whether it’s Serena Williams in tennis, Megan Rapinoe in soccer, or Simone Biles in gymnastics—face discrimination rooted in gender expectations.

Griner herself earns far less in the WNBA than a male player of comparable skill would in the NBA. This has led many players to seek contracts overseas during the off-season—a decision that ultimately led to Griner’s detainment in Russia in 2022.

Biological Sex vs. Gender Identity in Competition

Conversations about gender in sports often intersect with debates about transgender participation. While Brittney Griner is not transgender, the scrutiny she faces mirrors the discrimination faced by trans athletes. The larger discourse questions who gets to define womanhood in sports—and why.

Brittney Griner’s Response to the Controversy

As of now, Brittney Griner has not directly responded to Stephen A. Smith’s latest remarks. However, she has previously spoken out against gender-based discrimination. In a past interview, she stated:

“I’ve learned to block out the noise. People are going to say what they want to say. I focus on my game, my teammates, and my family.”

Her resilience has been key to her career. From leading her team on the court to surviving political imprisonment in Russia, Griner continues to be a symbol of strength and perseverance—regardless of public speculation or controversy.

Fan Reactions: Divided but Engaged

Social media responses to the Smith-Griner segment have been polarized:

• Supportive fans praised Smith for using his platform to highlight inequality in sports.

• Critics argued his language was careless and could be misinterpreted.

• Conspiracy theorists latched onto the segment to reignite false claims about Griner’s gender.

The divided response demonstrates the difficulty of having nuanced conversations about gender in the media spotlight.

What This Means for the Future

The Brittney Griner gender controversy highlights the importance of sensitivity, accuracy, and empathy in sports commentary. Whether you’re a journalist, commentator, or fan, how you discuss athletes like Griner matters.

As gender identity and representation continue to evolve in sports culture, figures like Stephen A. Smith and Brittney Griner will play pivotal roles—one in shaping the conversation, the other in living through it.

Final Thoughts

Brittney Griner’s journey is about much more than basketball. It’s about resilience in the face of adversity, self-acceptance, and breaking gender norms. The controversy surrounding Stephen A. Smith’s remarks only scratches the surface of a much deeper societal debate: how we define and treat women—especially powerful, non-conforming women—in sports.

Whether you agree with Smith’s wording or not, the conversation he reignited is one worth having. The goal should always be to uplift, not diminish, and to understand rather than assume.