The intersection of sports, activism, and celebrity recently illuminated a contentious divide within public opinion.
Chip and Joanna Gaines faced online backlash for their social media post with Brittney Griner following her celebrated return to Baylor University.
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star whose career and activism have placed her at the heart of numerous debates, recently visited Baylor University. It was a poignant homecoming, commemorated by the retirement of her No. 42 jersey during a game where the Baylor Bears triumphed over Texas Tech.
The event marked Griner’s first return to the university since her final collegiate season, a momentous occasion for her and the institution. The ceremony took place at Baylor’s Foster Pavilion in Waco, Texas, drawing attention for the athletic honor and the socio-political implications surrounding Griner’s presence.
Chip Gaines, a Baylor alumnus, and his wife, Joanna, took to social media to share a photo with Griner. His caption, "Welcome home @brittneyyevettegriner. SO proud of you, girl!" underscored a warm reception for the athlete. Yet, this act of public support by the Gaineses sparked a flurry of criticism online.
Voices from the online community quickly split into camps of support and opposition. Some comments accused the Gaineses of promoting "wokeness," a term commonly used in political discourse to criticize a perceived overemphasis on social justice issues. Critics questioned the couple's support for Griner, pointing to her opposition to the national anthem during sports events and her advocacy for LGBT rights as contentious points.
Brittney Griner's stance on the national anthem surfaced amidst the racial and civil unrest of 2020. She openly expressed her belief that the anthem should not be played during the WNBA season, a statement that reintroduced her into the limelight of public scrutiny upon her return to the U.S. After spending nearly a year in a Russian prison on charges related to a marijuana vaporizer pen, Griner's exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022 was another layer to her complex public persona.
"I honestly feel we should not play the national anthem during our season," Griner had stated, reflecting her position on the intersection of sports and socio-political advocacy. Her return to the U.S. and subsequent appearance at a WNBA game where the national anthem played evoked a potent mix of emotions. "I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure. I’m not going to take a day for granted," Griner shared, encapsulating her journey from incarceration to gratitude.
The Gaineses, through their social media activity, likely did not anticipate the breadth of response their support for Griner would elicit. The critique ranged from allegations of their abandonment of conservative values to outright denunciations of their character.
"Chip and Joanne have turned so woke it’s pathetic," remarked one critic, encapsulating a sentiment echoed across various social media platforms. Another critic bluntly stated, "Go woke, go broke," suggesting a potential negative impact on the Gaineses' business endeavors due to their political stances.
A third critique brought forth a comparison, questioning the celebration of Griner against the backdrop of other Americans still detained abroad: "Proud of her for what? Trashing America but getting out while a Real American Hero someone to be proud of is still in jail!"
The social media post by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Brittney Griner following the retirement of her jersey at Baylor University has ignited a flurry of online backlash. Critics have voiced their discontent, pointing to Griner's views on the national anthem and her status as an LGBT activist. This story captures the complicated interplay between public figures, their convictions, and the broader societal implications of their actions. As society grapples with these issues, the dialogue surrounding the intersection of sports, social justice, and celebrity continues to evolve, reflecting the diverse and often divided perspectives that characterize our contemporary moment.
