In a stunning and highly controversial statement, Kim Mulkey, head coach of LSU women’s basketball and former coach of Brittney Griner, has publicly called for Griner to be expelled from the U.S. Olympic team. Mulkey’s harsh words—”Go back to Russia because you’re not worthy of representing this country”—have ignited a firestorm of debate across the sports world and beyond.
Mulkey and Griner have a long, complicated history. Mulkey coached Griner at Baylor University, where they won a national championship together. However, their relationship soured over the years, with Griner criticizing Mulkey for not supporting her during difficult times, particularly when she faced scrutiny for her sexuality.
This latest outburst from Mulkey seems to have brought that tension to a boiling point. Her remarks were made during a press conference, where she was asked about Griner’s potential impact on the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Mulkey’s response was both unexpected and incendiary: “Brittney Griner is not the role model we want representing our country. She’s caused enough trouble, and frankly, she’s not worthy of wearing the red, white, and blue. She should go back to Russia, where she seems to belong.”
Griner recently returned to the United States after being detained in Russia on drug-related charges, a situation that garnered international attention and widespread calls for her release. Upon her return, Griner resumed her basketball career, and there was speculation about her inclusion in the U.S. Olympic team.
Mulkey’s comments appear to be a direct attack on Griner’s character and her place in American sports. “This isn’t just about basketball,” Mulkey continued. “It’s about what it means to represent this country on the global stage. We need players who embody American values, not someone who has brought shame to our nation.”
The backlash to Mulkey’s comments has been swift and intense. Many fans, athletes, and commentators have condemned her remarks as unpatriotic and out of line. “Kim Mulkey has crossed a line with these comments,” tweeted one prominent sports analyst. “Brittney Griner has already been through so much, and to suggest she’s not worthy of representing her own country is disgraceful.”
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, with many defending Griner and criticizing Mulkey for what they see as a personal vendetta. Others, however, have supported Mulkey’s stance, arguing that Griner’s legal troubles and controversial past make her a poor representative for the U.S. Olympic team.
This incident has further divided the basketball community and fans, especially those who support Griner and those who align with Mulkey’s views. Some believe that Griner’s return to the Olympic stage would be a redemption story, a chance to prove her resilience and commitment to the sport and her country. Others agree with Mulkey, feeling that Griner’s past actions have tarnished her image beyond repair.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how this controversy will affect both Griner and Mulkey’s careers. For Griner, the challenge will be to rise above the criticism and prove that she belongs on the Olympic stage, representing her country with pride and dignity.
For Mulkey, this could be a defining moment in her career as well. While she has always been known for her strong opinions and leadership, these comments may have crossed a line that could damage her reputation and relationships within the sports world.
In the end, Mulkey’s demand for Griner to be expelled from the U.S. Olympic team has sparked a national conversation about patriotism, redemption, and what it truly means to represent the United States on a global platform. As the situation unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to stir emotions and divide opinions.
