LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey Sparks Backlash After Refusing to Comment on Brittney Griner’s Detention in Russia

Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team and Brittney Griner’s former coach at Baylor University, has ignited a wave of criticism online after refusing to comment on Griner’s ongoing imprisonment in Russia during a Monday press conference.

Mulkey’s Silence Sparks Controversy

During the press conference, a reporter asked Mulkey about her thoughts on the plight of Brittney Griner, the WNBA star currently serving a 9-year sentence in a Russian prison after being convicted on drug charges. The reporter noted that Mulkey had yet to make any public statements regarding the matter.

Mulkey abruptly cut off the question and said, “And you won’t either.”

This curt dismissal stunned many attendees and quickly circulated on social media, where fans and fellow athletes expressed outrage over Mulkey’s unwillingness to address the issue publicly.

Brittney Griner’s Harrowing Situation

Griner was arrested in February at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport after Russian authorities found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Despite Griner’s claim that the cartridges were accidentally packed and not intended for illicit use, she was sentenced in August to nine years in a penal colony, along with a fine of one million rubles (approximately $16,000).

Her arrest came amid heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, complicating diplomatic efforts for her release. The US government has consistently maintained that Griner is “wrongfully detained,” sparking calls for her immediate return.

Megan Rapinoe’s Strong Criticism of Mulkey

Among the loudest voices condemning Mulkey’s silence is Megan Rapinoe, the legendary US women’s soccer star and a prominent advocate for social justice.

Rapinoe took to social media to express her outrage, writing, “This is absolutely cruel and heartless — and even more so. IT SHOWS THE SISTERHOOD SEES. The hate is spreading.”

Her pointed remarks resonated with many who viewed Mulkey’s silence as a betrayal of support for Griner during her darkest hour.

Support from Fellow Athletes

Chloe Jackson, a WNBA guard who played at Baylor from 2018 to 2019, also joined the chorus criticizing Mulkey’s silence, tweeting about the coach’s unwillingness to speak up.

The backlash highlights the growing pressure on public figures, especially those connected to Griner’s past, to take a stand on the issue and use their platforms to advocate for her freedom.

Background Tensions Between Griner and Mulkey

The strained relationship between Griner and Mulkey dates back to 2013, when reports surfaced that Mulkey imposed a “don’t ask, don’t tell” style policy on Baylor’s women’s basketball team regarding players’ sexual orientations.

This policy reportedly discouraged players from openly discussing their identities, a stance that contrasted with Griner’s later public openness about her sexuality.

These past conflicts add a complex layer to Mulkey’s current refusal to comment on Griner’s imprisonment, fueling speculation about lingering tensions.

Public Reaction and Social Media Outcry

The sports community’s reaction to Mulkey’s response has been swift and severe. Social media platforms exploded with hashtags demanding accountability and support for Griner.

Fans, fellow athletes, and advocates condemned Mulkey for what many perceive as an uncaring and dismissive attitude toward a former player facing an unimaginable ordeal abroad.

The Stakes Remain High for Brittney Griner

As Brittney Griner continues to serve her sentence in Russia, the stakes remain incredibly high. Her case symbolizes not only the intersection of sports and politics but also the profound human cost of international tensions.

The calls for her release grow louder by the day, with supporters hoping that sustained public pressure and diplomatic negotiations will eventually bring her home safely.

Conclusion

Kim Mulkey’s refusal to comment on Brittney Griner’s detainment has sparked a significant backlash, shining a spotlight on the responsibilities of coaches and public figures connected to athletes facing crises.

Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe’s vocal condemnation and the support from other athletes underline the importance of solidarity and advocacy in moments of hardship.

As the world watches closely, the hope remains that Brittney Griner’s ordeal will soon come to a hopeful resolution — one where justice, compassion, and human dignity prevail.