It was a night full of high emotions on the court as Brittney Griner, the towering WNBA star and former Russian detainee, surprised fans with an unexpected outburst during halftime of the Atlanta Dream’s game against the Dallas Wings.
Known for her fierce competitiveness and skill, Griner didn’t hold back when she directed a sharp message at the referees, leaving viewers buzzing.
The Halftime Incident: Frustration Sparks F-Bomb Toward Officials
As Griner was about to step into a routine on-court interview with CBS, she noticed the referees—Jeff Smith, Eric Brewton, and Tyler Mirkovich—exiting the floor. It was clear something had upset her.
The tension stemmed from a foul call just before halftime: Griner was flagged for an offensive foul with about 90 seconds left in the half, a call she clearly didn’t agree with.
While CBS reporter Autumn Johnson tried to start the interview by highlighting Griner’s solid stats—five points and ten rebounds—the star’s focus was elsewhere.
Griner was heard yelling “be f***ing better” at the referees before calming down and apologizing to Johnson and the audience with a sincere, “I’m sorry, y’all.”
Fans React to Griner’s Passionate Display
Reactions to Griner’s outburst were mixed. Some fans totally understood her frustration.
One person on X (formerly Twitter) commented that being so tall puts Griner at a disadvantage with referees quick to call fouls against her.
Others, however, weren’t so sympathetic—some critics even brought up the controversial prisoner swap that led to Griner’s release from Russia in 2022, comparing her to Viktor Bout, the infamous “Merchant of Death.”
Game Highlights: Strong Performances Fuel Atlanta’s Win
On the court, Griner showed why she’s still a dominant force, scoring 15 points.
Her teammate Rhyne Howard contributed with 10 assists, while Courtney Jones hauled in 15 rebounds and added 11 points.
Alisha Gray was a standout scorer, pouring in 27 points, helping the Dream shoot a solid 42.6% from the floor.
For the Dallas Wings, NaLyssa Smith led with 13 points, and reserve Maddy Siegrist added 12.
Despite their efforts, the Wings struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 27.6% in the first half and overall 36.6% from the field.
Atlanta took control late in the second quarter with a strong 13-4 run, ending the half up 37-30.
They extended their lead in the third quarter and kept Dallas at bay, finishing the game with a comfortable 74-61 victory.
A New Chapter for Griner: Finding Joy with the Atlanta Dream
Griner’s move to Atlanta from Phoenix earlier this year surprised many.
After a storied 12-year career with the Mercury, where she won a WNBA championship and earned scoring titles, signing a one-year deal with the Dream was unexpected.
But for Griner, it was exactly what she needed.
In a recent press conference, she shared how the change of scenery rekindled her passion for basketball.
“I was somewhere for a very long time and it’s good to have a different change of pace, different outlook on everything,” she said.
“Definitely found the love for the game again being here.”
Overcoming Past Challenges: From Russian Prisoner to WNBA Comeback
Griner’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2022, she missed the entire WNBA season after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months.
Authorities arrested her when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
Her release came after a high-profile prisoner swap, a moment that brought international attention.
Now back on U.S. soil and back on the court, Griner continues to show resilience both in her personal life and professional career.