Basketball

US WNBA player Brittney Griner is escorted to the courtroom to hear the court's final decision in Khimki outside Moscow

On Her Birthday, We Learned About Brittney Griner’s Suffering On Her Birthday, We Learned About Brittney Griner’s Suffering

In an interview with her attorneys, the WNBA superstar revealed more details about her conditions in a Russian prison cell.

Oct 20, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Baylor women's basketball head coach Kim Mulkey reacts during a game against Notre Dame at the 2019 NCAA Women's Final Four

Brittney Griner Gets No Support From Former Coach Kim Mulkey Brittney Griner Gets No Support From Former Coach Kim Mulkey

The championship coach could not offer even a nod of solidarity to her former player languishing in a Russian prison.

Sep 28, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Becky Hammon assistant coaching the San Antonio Spurs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 7, 2022.

Does the NBA Deserve Becky Hammon? Does the NBA Deserve Becky Hammon?

The WNBA championship coach has left the NBA with egg on its face.

Sep 20, 2022 / Dave Zirin

WNBA star Sue Bird waves to fans after her last regular season home game of her career against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

Sue Bird Sets a Standard and Says Goodbye to the WNBA Sue Bird Sets a Standard and Says Goodbye to the WNBA

The legendary basketball player accomplished much on the court and moved the political needle off the court.

Sep 8, 2022 / Dave Zirin

WNBA player Brittney Griner sits inside a defendants' cage after the Russian court's verdict during a hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, on August 4, 2022.

Brittney Griner Is Facing 9 Years in a Russian Penal Colony. Where Is the Campaign to Free Her? Brittney Griner Is Facing 9 Years in a Russian Penal Colony. Where Is the Campaign to Free Her?

We should be stepping up our efforts to bring the WNBA superstar home. Instead we’re getting “out of sight, out of mind”—and it’s a disgrace.

Sep 6, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Retired professional basketball player Dennis Rodman speaks to the press as he arrives at Changi International airport ahead of US-North Korea summit in Singapore

Can Dennis Rodman Secure Brittney Griner’s Freedom? Can Dennis Rodman Secure Brittney Griner’s Freedom?

The State Department failed the WNBA superstar, but maybe the cult of celebrity can succeed.

Aug 23, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Brittney Griner holds a photo of her family behind bars

By Attacking Brittney Griner, Trump Signals to His Base: “I’m Still Racist” By Attacking Brittney Griner, Trump Signals to His Base: “I’m Still Racist”

The former president is reconnecting with his fans by using an old playbook: demonize a Black athlete, lie about who they are, and reap the benefits.

Aug 2, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Bill Russell smiles.

Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary

The death of the basketball legend at 88 should remind us of his courage off the court.

Aug 1, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Aliyah Boston shoots a basket.

Aliyah Boston Makes ESPN Look Small Aliyah Boston Makes ESPN Look Small

Aliyah Boston showed that she doesn’t need the ESPYs—but the ESPYs desperately need her.

Jul 22, 2022 / Dave Zirin

A young girl holds up a sign that reads

Brittney Griner’s Show Trial Begins Brittney Griner’s Show Trial Begins

Russia is once again in the ugly business of “hostage diplomacy.”

Jul 5, 2022 / Dave Zirin

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