The women’s sports community has been rocked by controversy surrounding Kim Mulkey and Brittney Griner. Many are questioning Mulkey’s stance on LGBTQ issues and her lack of support for Griner, a gay athlete. In this article, we will delve into the details of the incident and shed light on the situation.
Firstly, let’s take a closer look at Kim Mulkey. She is a well-known figure in American college basketball and has had a successful career as both a player and coach. Mulkey has been the head coach of the Baylor Lady Bears since 2000 and has led the team to three national championships.
However, Mulkey’s reputation has been tarnished in recent years due to her controversial comments on LGBTQ issues. In 2017, she made headlines when she defended Baylor University against allegations of mishandling sexual assault cases. Mulkey told reporters that people should “knock them right in the face” if they heard negative comments about Baylor.
This statement was widely criticized, and Mulkey later apologized for her words. However, it was not the first time that she had come under fire for her stance on social issues. In 2015, she publicly opposed a proposed law in Indiana that would have allowed businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ individuals on religious grounds.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Brittney Griner. She is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Griner is widely regarded as one of the best players in the league and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights.
In 2013, Griner came out as gay in an interview with Sports Illustrated. She has since become a role model for LGBTQ athletes and has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and inequality.
So, what is the controversy between Mulkey and Griner? It all started in 2017 when Griner’s former coach at Baylor, Mulkey, made comments that were perceived as anti-gay. Griner had previously spoken out about the lack of support she received from Baylor when she came out as gay.
In response to these comments, Mulkey said, “I’m tired of hearing it. I’m tired of people talking about it. I’m tired of people wanting me to comment on it. If someone’s around you and they ever say, ‘I will never do this again,’ then you need to punch them in the face.”
These comments were widely criticized, with many accusing Mulkey of being insensitive and dismissive of LGBTQ issues. Griner herself responded to the comments on Twitter, saying, “So what happens when it’s all said and done and your players want to speak out about something they feel is wrong but you’ve told them to shut up?”
The controversy has continued to simmer in the years since, with Mulkey’s reputation as an anti-gay figure growing. Many have called on her to publicly support LGBTQ athletes and speak out against discrimination.
In conclusion, the controversy between Kim Mulkey and Brittney Griner highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in the sports community. While Griner has been a vocal advocate for equality, Mulkey’s comments have been seen as dismissive and insensitive. It is important for coaches and leaders in the sports world to support all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.