Brittney Griner responds to comments telling her to go back to Russia after ejection

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner was not having it with several Instagram users after her ejection in Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Griner received a double technical foul for a near brawl with Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson while Mercury guard Celeste Taylor was shooting free throws with 18.1 seconds left in the second quarter. The two began shoving each other and exchanging words.

Griner was quickly restrained by one of the Mercury’s security detail, while Jackson was restrained by her teammates.

While Griner was waiting in the locker room during the Mercury’s 85-81 win, she was on Instagram responding to several comments on a video from OvertimeWBB of her altercation with Jackson.

One comment referred to Griner as a “man” and asked why she was trying to fight women. Griner responded, “cuz mf’s want to try me and they can get this action!”

Another comment said, “BRITT YOU WASN’T TUFF IN RUSSIA” to which Griner said, “And yo (expletive) would of been someone (expletive).”

Griner was arrested in Russia in February 2022 when airport customs officials there found vape cartridges with small amounts of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was jailed and eventually found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison at one of the more notorious women’s prisons in Russia. She was released in December 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange deal between the United States and Russia.

She released a book in May 2024 about her harrowing experience in Russia, including how she considered taking her own life multiple times while detained.

‘Less than a human’: What we learned about Brittney Griner’s experience in Russia

Later in the comments section, Griner responded again. One comment said, “That’s it back to Russia you go.”

Griner then responded, “come and get me then!”

Since returning to the WNBA in 2023, Griner has been slowly getting back to her form. This season, she’s averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brittney Griner responds to Russia comments after ejection