WNBA mulls rule adjustments for Brittney Griner.

WNBA Considers Bending the Rules for Brittney Griner

The WNBA is collaborating with Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury to explore travel options, including charter flights, for future games.

Last week, Griner’s travel arrangements gained attention when the team had to rely on commercial airports for their flights to Texas and Indiana.

During a layover at a Dallas airport, a controversial video captured Griner, who had recently been released from detention in Russia, according to the WNBA.

Currently, the league only permits teams to use charter flights for back-to-back games.

Many teams have been utilizing the public charter airline JSX, which is allowed by the WNBA with specific protocols in place. However, JSX did not offer a standard flight from Dallas to Indianapolis, leading Griner to take a commercial flight.

There are still questions about who would cover the cost if the WNBA allows Griner to fly privately. Additionally, if the league permits Phoenix to use JSX for flights to other cities, it could potentially give the Mercury a competitive advantage, raising concerns among other teams.

The league has expressed ongoing concerns about Griner’s security since before the season began. Discussions are underway between league officials, Mercury representatives, and Griner’s team to ensure the safety of Griner and her teammates following her high-profile legal case in Russia.

Prior to the season, the WNBA granted Griner permission to book her own charter flights.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated, “We’re just working with Phoenix to make sure we have a good plan going forward, certainly for Brittney and for the rest of the Phoenix Mercury.”

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBA players’ union, spoke with Griner, who expressed frustration about receiving hate mail along with fan mail.

The Mercury is currently on a two-game road trip to Washington and New York. However, Griner did not play in Friday’s game against the Mystics due to a hip injury.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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