Brittney Griner speaking to reporters.

Brittney Griner (Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Fans are praying for Atlanta Dream star and WNBA icon Brittney Griner following news of a disturbing incident at her hotel room.

As first reported by TMZ Sports, Griner was set to speak at a Women Grow Leadership Summit in National Harbor, Maryland on Monday. However, Griner canceled her appearance and left after receiving a disturbing and threatening message in her hotel room.

Brittney Griner came across a piece of duct tape in the room with the message, “Gay Baby Jail.” The future Hall of Famer came out in 2013 and has been married to her wife, Cherelle, since 2019.

Per TMZ Sports, Prince George’s County Police Department believes that the note was a coincidence. They shared the following statement on the matter:

“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference. At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

Fans came together to offer messages of support for Brittney Griner following the triggering incident:

“IStandWithBrittney,” wrote a fan.

“Americas are trash,” said another.


“Whoever wrote tht note is a punk a*s b*tch …I STAND WITH BRITTANY,” wrote one user.

Griner has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ people, even donating $5,000 to a Phoenix youth center that was set on fire. For all the hate and backlash she gets, the perennial WNBA All-Star has been able to block it out and remain committed to bringing more love and awareness to her community.

We’ll have more details on the hotel incident involving Griner if they become available.

Brittney Griner Set To Begin First Season With Atlanta

Brittney Griner smiling

Brittney Griner (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old Griner played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2013 to 2024, leading the franchise to the WNBA Championship in her sophomore year.

But the 10-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion opted for a new chapter in the offseason by signing with the Dream in free agency. She’ll try and help the Dream return to title contention as they look to achieve their first winning season since 2018.