BREAKING: Brittney Griner Announces She’s QUITTING Competitive Basketball—“No One Wants Me on Their Team”! What Led to This Shocking Decision and What’s Next for the WNBA Star?
In a stunning and emotional announcement, WNBA star Brittney Griner has declared she is stepping away from competitive basketball indefinitely. The news comes as a surprise to fans and fellow players alike, with Griner stating bluntly, “No one wants me on their team anymore.” The remark sparked a flurry of reactions online and raised questions about what led to the sudden shift for the former Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Griner, 34, made the announcement via a heartfelt video posted to social media, where she opened up about feeling isolated, unwelcome, and emotionally drained after returning from her high-profile detainment in Russia in 2022. “I thought I’d come back and everything would be like it was,” she said. “But I feel like the world moved on without me. My body’s not the same. My mind’s not the same. And honestly, I don’t know if the game has a place for me anymore.”
The statement comes after a tough 2024 WNBA season for Griner, who struggled with performance consistency and injuries while critics questioned her commitment and conditioning. Her return was widely publicized and symbolic, but as the season progressed, Griner admitted the emotional burden was heavier than she expected. She revealed she’d been quietly considering retirement for months and had spoken with close friends, family, and former teammates before making the final call.
Fans quickly took to social media to express both sadness and support. “Brittney gave so much to this game and deserves love, not judgment,” one fan tweeted. Others voiced frustration that one of the sport’s most dominant players felt pushed out. “This is a failure of the league, not of Brittney,” another wrote.
Meanwhile, critics suggested Griner’s exit may also reflect deeper issues within the WNBA. “This isn’t just about Griner,” said one analyst. “It’s about how we treat athletes when they come back from trauma. Did we ever truly support her, or just use her for headlines?”
Several WNBA players, including A’ja Wilson and Diana Taurasi, publicly backed Griner’s decision, praising her courage to speak her truth. “She doesn’t owe anyone anything,” said Wilson. “She’s a legend. If this is the end, we thank her for everything.”
As for what’s next, Griner hinted at future advocacy work, coaching, and spending time with her wife, Cherelle. “I want to give back in new ways,” she said. “Basketball saved me once. Now it’s time to find the next chapter of my story.”
Though her time on the court may be ending, Brittney Griner’s impact — both on and off the hardwood — is far from over.
