In a shocking turn of events that has ignited fierce debate across social and political lines, conservative political commentator and former congressional candidate Karoline Leavitt made headlines today after referring to WNBA star Brittney Griner using a vulgar term during a live appearance on a right-wing podcast. The incident occurred just hours after the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) made a controversial announcement: it will implement mandatory sex testing for all players starting with the 2026 season.
Leavitt’s comment, which referred to Griner as a “sh!t” after raising questions about her gender identity, has been widely condemned by civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and even some conservative figures who view her statement as a step too far.
The WNBA’s Explosive Decision
Earlier this week, the WNBA issued a press release confirming that mandatory biological sex verification will be a part of next year’s athlete eligibility process. League officials claim the move is designed to “preserve fairness and competitive integrity in women’s sports,” though critics argue it is a discriminatory policy that violates players’ privacy and targets transgender and gender non-conforming athletes.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert defended the policy in a brief statement:
“We are committed to protecting the future of women’s sports. This measure is not about exclusion, but about ensuring fair competition within a biologically-defined category.”
However, no scientific or legal framework was presented alongside the decision, and the league declined to specify what the testing would entail or how results would be handled.
Karoline Leavitt’s Outburst
The firestorm intensified when Karoline Leavitt appeared on a political podcast shortly after the WNBA announcement. Discussing Brittney Griner’s history, including her previous detainment in Russia and her advocacy for progressive causes, Leavitt made an offhand but explosive remark:
“Now that the WNBA’s finally doing these tests, let’s see what Brittney Griner really is. She’s always looked like a dude to me. She’s a total sh!t. Sorry, but the truth is finally coming out.”
The comment quickly went viral on social media, with hashtags like #ProtectBrittneyGriner, #KarolineLeavitt, and #WNBAControversy trending within hours.
Leavitt, known for her polarizing rhetoric, doubled down on her remarks in a follow-up tweet, claiming she was “just saying what millions are thinking but are too afraid to say.”
Public and Political Backlash
The reaction was swift and severe. Former WNBA players, current athletes, and public figures condemned both the WNBA’s decision and Leavitt’s derogatory comments.
Sue Bird, a WNBA legend and LGBTQ+ advocate, tweeted:
“This is disgusting. Brittney is a champion, a fighter, and a human being who deserves respect. We will not be silent.”
Civil rights groups such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign issued statements urging the WNBA to reverse its policy and demanding an apology from Leavitt.
Even some conservative commentators expressed discomfort. Political analyst David French said on X:
“Criticizing league policy is fair game. Dehumanizing athletes with cruel language isn’t. Karoline crossed a line.”
Griner’s Response
So far, Brittney Griner has not made a public statement. Her agent issued a short comment saying that Griner is “focusing on her health, her team, and continuing to inspire young athletes — and will not be distracted by hateful noise.”
Griner has long been a target for internet rumors and conspiracies surrounding her gender identity, despite there being no evidence that she is transgender. Many supporters view the recent wave of attacks as part of a larger cultural war against women athletes who don’t fit traditional gender norms.
Broader Implications
This controversy comes amid a broader national debate about the participation of transgender athletes in sports. Several U.S. states have passed laws banning trans women from competing in female sports categories at the school or college level. The WNBA’s decision, however, marks one of the first times a major professional sports league has adopted such a policy.
Legal experts are already predicting lawsuits. “This policy will not stand unchallenged,” said Elena Rodriguez, a civil rights attorney. “It’s unconstitutional, invasive, and based on pseudoscience.”
What’s Next for the WNBA?
As of now, the WNBA has not indicated any plans to revisit or amend the policy. A spokesperson stated that further details would be released before the end of the current season.
Meanwhile, protests are being planned outside upcoming WNBA games, and calls to boycott the league are growing.
The situation remains highly fluid, with more developments expected in the coming days. What began as a league decision intended to address competitive fairness has rapidly evolved into a full-blown national controversy—one that may shape the future of gender and sports policy for years to come.
