Brittney Griner, the top pick in this year’s WNBA draft who just capped off a legendary career at Baylor University, acknowledged in an interview with Sports Illustrated published this week that she is gay.
In the interview, Griner was asked why coming out is more tolerated among female athletes than it is for male athletes.
“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different. Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are,” the 6-foot-8 Griner said. “Again, like I said, just be who you are. Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are.”
Griner was a three-time All-American at Baylor. On Monday, she was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury.
