False Claims About Brittney Griner and WNBA ‘Sex Testing’ Debunked

Rumors claiming WNBA star Brittney Griner was subject to gender revelations by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and that the WNBA would begin mandatory “sex testing” have been officially debunked. These false narratives began circulating in early August 2025 on social media platforms, gaining significant traction despite a lack of credible sources.

The misinformation falsely asserted that Leavitt made a controversial statement about Griner’s gender, and the WNBA was set to impose mandatory gender verification for its players in the upcoming season. These fabrications sparked outrage, confusion, and further fueled discussions around gender identity in professional sports.

Did Karoline Leavitt Comment on Brittney Griner’s Gender?

No. There is no evidence or official statement supporting claims that Karoline Leavitt made any comment about Brittney Griner’s gender identity. Multiple reputable search engines, including Google and Bing, show no legitimate news coverage of such a statement.

The viral posts originated from low-credibility blogs and social media accounts, such as the “Today in America” Facebook page, which shared fabricated headlines designed to drive traffic and generate ad revenue. These types of fake posts have been traced to individuals and content farms, some reportedly operated from Vietnam, with the intention of exploiting politically sensitive topics for profit.

The White House officially confirmed to Snopes that the rumor is “obviously fake.” Additionally, there is no official documentation or statement from the WNBA indicating any plan to implement mandatory sex testing for its athletes.

Why the Brittney Griner Rumor Gained Traction

Brittney Griner, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, has long been a prominent figure in discussions surrounding gender and athleticism. Her height (6’9”), deep voice, and powerful presence have unfortunately made her a recurring subject of gender-based rumors and attacks—especially online.

Griner herself has openly addressed such misconceptions in the past. In a 2015 interview, she shared personal experiences of being mistaken for a boy during her youth due to her appearance and voice. These personal revelations, while honest, have been weaponized by those seeking to spread misinformation.

Adding to the public interest in her story, Griner made international headlines in 2022 when she was detained in Russia for possession of cannabis vape cartridges. She was sentenced to nine years in a labor camp and later released in a high-profile prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. This event elevated her global profile and made her a frequent target for rumors and fake news.

How Social Media Fuels Misinformation

Social media has become a powerful engine for disinformation. Platforms like Facebook and Threads allow fabricated stories to spread rapidly, often accompanied by AI-generated videos and misleading headlines. In this case, the post falsely quoting Leavitt received tens of thousands of reactions, shares, and comments before fact-checkers were able to respond.

Such viral misinformation campaigns typically exploit emotionally charged issues—like gender identity—to maximize engagement. They are rarely rooted in facts and often originate from monetized pages with little editorial oversight.

What’s Next for Brittney Griner and the WNBA?

Despite the baseless rumors, Brittney Griner continues her professional career with the Atlanta Dream, focusing on basketball and advocacy. The WNBA has not announced any new policies related to gender verification, and no reputable news source has indicated such plans exist.

Both the WNBA and Griner remain committed to promoting inclusivity, athletic excellence, and truth over sensationalism. As misinformation continues to spread online, it’s increasingly important for the public to rely on credible news sources and official statements.

The claim about Brittney Griner and the WNBA’s “sex testing” policy is completely false. No such statement has been made by Karoline Leavitt, and no such policy has been proposed by the WNBA.

You Must Know:

Is Brittney Griner’s gender being questioned officially?
No. There is no official investigation, policy, or statement questioning Brittney Griner’s gender by the WNBA or any U.S. government representative.

Did Karoline Leavitt speak about Brittney Griner?
No credible evidence suggests Karoline Leavitt made any public comment about Griner’s gender. The rumor is fabricated.

Is the WNBA planning mandatory sex testing for players?
No. This claim has been confirmed as false. There is no such policy or plan announced by the WNBA.

Why are such rumors spreading about Brittney Griner?
Griner is often targeted due to her appearance and public visibility. Viral misinformation thrives on high-profile figures, especially those involved in controversial or emotional stories.

What happened with Griner in Russia?
She was arrested in February 2022 for carrying cannabis vape cartridges, sentenced to a labor camp, and later released in a prisoner swap with Russia.

How can I verify viral sports rumors?
Always check major, credible outlets like Snopes, ESPN, Reuters, and official organizational statements before believing or sharing such stories.