>> rittney Grinerâs competitive fire burned a little too hot during a nationally televised game on Saturday, and now the WNBA could be ready to respond.<<
The 34-year-old Atlanta Dream center, who signed with the team this offseason, let her frustration boil over during a halftime interview- on air, in the middle of a game, with cameras rolling.
The Dream were squaring off against the Dallas Wings and ended the night with an 83-75 win. Griner posted a solid stat line, finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds. But it wasnât her game that made headlines.
It was what she said, and how she said it. Mid-interview with CBS Sports, Griner turned her attention to the referees and shouted, âBe fâing better!â Moments earlier, sheâd said, âYou know I call all my fouls,â clearly heated about what she saw as a lack of calls in her favor.
- Frustration With Officiating Boils Over
Grinerâs outburst didnât happen in a vacuum. Players and coaches across the league have raised concerns about officiating this season, and the noise is only growing. Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark and head coach Stephanie White both criticized officials following their own game Saturday against the New York Liberty. White didnât hold back when she said, âThe disrespect right now for our team has been pretty unbelievable,â adding, âI donât know if I have a feeling that the system works.â
Brittany Griner on live TV standing on business against the refs
âYou know I call all my own foulsâŠ.Be f***king betterâđ„: @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/Q652rrv7DR
â Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213)Â May 24, 2025
Still, Grinerâs choice to call out the officiating live on national TV, and with profanity, could land her in hot water. The WNBA has a track record of issuing fines to players and coaches who publicly criticize officials, and this situation checks multiple boxes. While the league hasnât announced any disciplinary action yet, a fine in the thousands appears likely, according to multiple reports.
The moment reflects a larger trend across professional basketball. Officiating is under the microscope, and players increasingly use their platforms to speak out. Whether the league takes issue with the message, the language, or the setting remains to be seen. However, the WNBA usually doesnât look the other way when it comes to public criticism.
Griner, one of the leagueâs most high-profile veterans, may have just tested the boundaries of whatâs acceptable, even for someone with her star power.
