Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star, was expected to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in Maryland. An event dedicated to empowering women in the cannabis industry. Known for activism and her willingness to talk about being a gay woman, Griner was prepared to share her story and help others to grow. Instead, she faced a very real and disturbing threat that not only robbed her of a big payday, but also rattled her to her core.

Griner has never been hesitant to use her platform to speak out about racism, sexism and homophobia, struggles that are too common in sports — and particularly affect women. But this most recent incident added a whole new level. Griner had faced racist slurs and even an attempt to confront her publicly in an airport before, but this? This felt different. It felt personal.

Griner was at her hotel for the summit when she found a threatening note taped to the wall near her room. It read: “Gay Baby Jail.” Now, the meaning of the message was uncertain, but for Griner, it didn’t have to be. She knew what it was: a blunt threat. It wasn’t just some random joke or something to brush off — it was a reminder of the kind of hate she is facing all the time because of who she is.

Though the event was something she was actually passionate about, Griner pulled out. Griner was expected to be paid between $100,000 and $200,000 for speaking at the summit. But the money wasn’t the biggest loss — what stung more was the emotional toll. Being targeted like that is not just financially draining; it has a way of wearing you down in ways it is difficult to put into words.

But Griner’s answer, in a way, was a bold statement — her wellbeing was more important than any paycheck.

Women Grow’s CEO Chanda Macias wasted no time responding to what had transpired. And she didn’t mince words, calling it an “attack” on their community. Macias said it was either an intentional act of intimidation or a huge blunder by the hotel staff.

What’s your perspective on:

Does Brittney Griner’s experience highlight the persistent dangers faced by outspoken athletes in today’s world?

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The hotel later clarified that the note was most probably left by a guest. Who had stayed in the room as part of some internet meme joke that was simply missed during cleaning. But for Griner, that explanation didn’t suffice — it didn’t undo the damage done.

USA Today via Reuters

Women Grow, however, stood by Griner. They assured Brittney Griner of their commitment to safety at their events. After the incident they were in touch with the venue and local authorities to determine how this might’ve occurred. And, of course, to ensure that whoever was responsible would be held to account.

It wasn’t a one-time incident for Griner, who already had spent almost 300 days wrongfully detained in Russia. Her latest threat felt like yet another unjust obstacle. It’s a reminder of how much more still needs to be done — to protect public figures. Specially those visible and outspoken as Brittney Griner. As women’s sports continue to garner more attention, it’s worth remembering that athletes like her are deserving of more than just recognition — they deserve safety, respect, and fair treatment.