Brittney Griner (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Brittney Griner was extra emotional when the American national anthem played after Team USA’s win over France in Sunday’s gold medal game at the Olympics.
The U.S. women’s team followed their male compatriots, winning gold with a marginal 67-66 scoreline. The Americans trailed by as much as eight points during the second half but rallied back to give themselves a chance.
They held a three-point lead with time running out. France’s Gabby Williams scored a long bank shot at the buzzer, but it would only count as a two-pointer as her feet were adjudged to have been over the line.
The victory handed Team USA an eighth straight Olympic gold medal, and Griner could not hold back the tears while the United States anthem played during the medal ceremony. Check her out below:
The WNBA star had previously planned to boycott the anthem but has had a change of heart since she was freed from a Russian jail via a prisoner exchange between America and Russia.
Also Read: Brittney Griner Giant Drops Truth Bomb While Discussing Her Feelings About Getting To Wear Team USA Jersey Again
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Fans Wanted To Join Brittney Griner In Crying
Brittney Griner’s reaction attracted several comments on social media, with fans claiming to be just as emotional after watching her.
“oh BG 🥺 cannot imagine what that moment felt like for her. after EVERYTHING. Wow,” one wrote.
“BG got me over here crying,” another said.
“Brittney has me crying! #TeamUSA,” someone wrote.
“BG- in tears, hand over hear heart. She has distinct knowledge what99% of Americans will probably never comprehend: truly grateful to be an American❤️,” one comment read.
“Seeing Britney Griner tear up like that after everything she went through, she probably thought she’d never hear it again,” someone suggested. “Never thought she’d ever get to play again.”
Brittney Griner admitted that hearing the national anthem “hit different” after she returned home from Russia.
“It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up, and the anthem is playing, it just hits different,” she said.
She also admitted that the opportunity to represent Team USA again meant everything.
It must mean a lot more now, given that it’s culminated in a gold medal win. The women’s team will be on the hunt for a ninth straight win when the games come to the States in 2028.
BREAKING: Whoopi Goldberg ‘MAD’ as Simone Biles turns down appearance on The View: ‘This is the WORST offer of my career’
In a recent episode of “The View,” a notable incident occurred when Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast, declined an invitation to appear on the show. Whoopi Goldberg, a long-time host, expressed her frustration, labeling the situation as “the worst offer” of her career. The tension arose after Biles made a candid statement, dismissing the invitation as lacking appeal or relevance to her current endeavors.
Biles’ refusal highlights a broader issue regarding celebrity appearances on talk shows like “The View.” The gymnast, who has been open about her mental health struggles and is a prominent advocate for self-care, likely felt that the platform did not align with her message or brand. Her decision sparked a discussion among the hosts, with Goldberg taking it personally, possibly feeling that the rejection reflected poorly on the show’s reputation.
Goldberg’s reaction can be seen in the context of her own career and recent controversies surrounding “The View.” The show has faced criticism and fluctuating viewership, with rumors about its potential cancellation and Goldberg’s possible departure. These factors may have contributed to her heightened sensitivity to perceived slights from high-profile figures like Biles.
Moreover, Goldberg is currently engaged in several other projects, including the release of her new memoir “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” which explores personal stories and family memories. This project, alongside her work on “The View,” suggests a busy schedule that might also affect her emotional investment in the show’s success and its interactions with guests.
The incident reflects a broader trend of celebrities exercising greater control over their public appearances, choosing platforms that align with their personal and professional goals. For Biles, known for her principled stance on mental health and advocacy, appearing on “The View” may not have offered the substantive dialogue she seeks. Her decision to decline, therefore, can be seen as an assertion of her values and priorities.
This situation also raises questions about the role of talk shows in modern media. “The View,” known for its mix of political and cultural commentary, has sometimes struggled to balance serious discussions with entertainment. The reaction to Biles’ decline underscores the pressure these shows face to maintain relevance and appeal in a rapidly changing media landscape.
As for Goldberg, her reaction may reflect the challenges faced by long-standing media personalities in adapting to these changes. Her frustration suggests a personal stake in the show’s success and perhaps an anxiety about its future. With rumors of possible changes to the show’s lineup and format, the incident with Biles could be a reflection of broader uncertainties within the “The View” team.
In conclusion, the refusal of Simone Biles to appear on “The View” and the subsequent reaction from Whoopi Goldberg highlight the evolving dynamics of celebrity media engagements. It underscores the need for shows like “The View” to adapt to the changing priorities of guests and audiences. As both Biles and Goldberg navigate their respective careers, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in media appearances and the importance of alignment between personal values and public platforms.
Unable to bear the pressure, Brittney Griner decided to leave the US and form a Russian women’s basketball team: ‘You lost a TALENT and added a STRONG OPPONENT’
In a surprising turn of events, Brittney Griner, a renowned WNBA star, has decided to leave the United States and establish a new chapter of her career in Russia. This decision comes after enduring significant pressure both on and off the court, culminating in her controversial detainment in Russia in 2022 for drug possession, followed by a high-profile prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia.
Griner’s decision to move to Russia and form a women’s basketball team has sparked a mix of emotions and reactions. On one hand, it highlights the challenges she faced upon her return to the U.S., where she felt overwhelmed by public scrutiny and political discourse surrounding her case.
The aftermath of her release and the heightened expectations placed upon her as a public figure made it increasingly difficult for her to find a sense of normalcy. Moreover, Griner has expressed discomfort with the polarized political environment in the U.S., feeling targeted and unsupported despite her athletic achievements.
In Russia, Griner aims to channel her talents into developing a competitive women’s basketball team. This move is not just a career shift but also a bold statement about resilience and determination. Griner’s choice to continue her career abroad suggests a desire to escape the intense media spotlight in the U.S. and to find a space where she can focus on her love for the game without the weight of her past controversies. Her departure represents a loss for American basketball but simultaneously establishes a new formidable presence in Russian sports.
The reaction from the sports community has been mixed. Some see Griner’s move as an understandable response to her unique and challenging circumstances, while others perceive it as a significant loss for U.S. women’s basketball.
Griner’s skills and experience could have continued to elevate the game domestically, but her departure to Russia introduces a new dynamic in international basketball competition. This shift could potentially strengthen Russia’s position in the sport, as Griner’s involvement will likely draw more attention and talent to the Russian women’s basketball league.
Moreover, Griner’s move underscores the broader issues athletes face regarding mental health and public pressure. Her journey has highlighted the need for better support systems for athletes dealing with the aftermath of legal and public challenges. The sports world continues to grapple with how to support players beyond their athletic performances, especially when they face off-court issues that can significantly impact their mental well-being and career decisions.
As Griner embarks on this new chapter, it remains to be seen how her presence will influence the development of women’s basketball in Russia and the broader international sports landscape. Her decision serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices athletes often make and the complex interplay between sports, politics, and public perception. While the U.S. loses a talented player, the global basketball community gains a determined and resilient competitor, ready to face new challenges and make a mark in a different cultural and sporting context.