Brittney Griner gambling rumor spreads, but no proof found

Griner Targeted by Viral Gambling Allegation, But Story Doesn’t Check Out

On May 1, 2025, a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that WNBA star Brittney Griner was under investigation for gambling on her own games. The post, made by user @dom_lucre, alleged that Griner could be banned from the league for life, citing a fictional “League Ethics Manager Josephine Barron” who compared the situation to Pete Rose’s historic MLB betting scandal. Within hours, the post gained traction and began circulating among fans, influencers, and sports pages alike.

But as attention grew, so did skepticism. Was there any truth to the allegation? Or was this just another viral hoax designed to provoke outrage and engagement?

Griner’s Career In Focus

Brittney Griner is no stranger to the headlines. One of the most dominant forces in women’s basketball, Griner currently plays for the Atlanta Dream after 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. The 6’9” center has earned numerous accolades, including:

• Three Olympic gold medals (2016, 2020, 2024)
• Six-time WNBA All-Star
• 2024 Comeback Player of the Year, after returning from wrongful detainment in Russia

Drafted first overall in 2013, Griner’s impact on the league has been substantial both on and off the court. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and prison reform has positioned her as one of the WNBA’s most recognizable and influential figures.

What the Post Alleged

The post in question claimed:

“🔥🚨BREAKING WNBA star Brittney Griner is back in hot water after she was caught gambling on her own games which could lead to her being banned from the WNBA from life.”

It included a supposed quote from an unnamed WNBA Ethics Manager, Josephine Barron, who said:

“We’re looking into whether or not she purposely fixed the scores. We may have a Pete Rose situation where she ends up banned for life.”

While the accusation was heavy, the post lacked links to any credible source or verification from the league or reputable media outlets.

Investigating the Claim

A comprehensive search for evidence turned up nothing substantial:

• No statement from the WNBA regarding an ongoing investigation.
• No mention of the name “Josephine Barron” in any WNBA executive or ethics-related role.
• No news stories on ESPN, FOX Sports, Bleacher Report, or the league’s official press center corroborating any part of the claim.

In short, the quote appears to be completely fabricated. As a result, Brittney Griner is more than likely the focal point of a dangerous rumor. The rumor is dangerous given the trouble Griner got into when she was playing in Russia. That situation nearly led to her being imprisoned for life. Not only has Griner returned to the United States, but she’s dominated on the court.

Despite her triumphant return to the Phoenix Mercury, she moved on with the Atlanta Dream. Griner is currently gearing up to make her debut with the Dream. So, a rumor like this has the potential to derail her debut with her new team.

Public Reaction: Support, Skepticism, and Slurs

In the replies to the viral post, users showed a mix of reactions:

• Some echoed the accusation, calling for Griner’s removal.
• Others questioned the legitimacy of the claim, pointing out the lack of betting markets for WNBA games.
• Several users resurfaced past political arguments about her 2022 detainment in Russia.
• Alarmingly, transphobic and misogynistic comments targeting Griner’s appearance also flooded the thread, despite Griner being a cisgender woman.

The range of reactions highlighted the divisive perception Griner still carries, often shaped more by past controversy than facts.

Comparing It to the Pete Rose Scandal

Pete Rose was banned from Major League Baseball in 1989 for betting on his own games as manager of the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, his case has remained the gold standard for sports betting infractions. No WNBA player has ever faced similar allegations, and certainly none on the scale of what this post claims.

Equating Griner’s situation to Pete Rose’s, without a shred of proof, was a red flag for many. Given the fact that Griner has gone through so much, it’s hard to believe she’d bend the rules. Her detainment in Russia stemmed from her bending the rules. In America, what she did was legal in some places.

However, Griner’s experience in Russia almost led to a life in prison. So, for her to overcome something like that and to risk her career is questionable to some. All she went through in Russia was so she could make $1 million in a season. Her decision to join the Atlanta Dream was primarily financial.

Without any evidence, a rumor about Brittney Griner gambling has taken over the internet. Not only has the rumor taken over, but people have also compared her to Pete Rose. Again, without evidence, those comparisons were unfounded.

Could It Even Happen?

The WNBA has partnered with betting platforms and fantasy sports providers. However, betting on one’s own games remains a violation of league rules and would carry harsh penalties.

That said, WNBA betting is still niche compared to the NBA or NFL. As some users pointed out, the availability of betting lines and liquidity on individual WNBA games is limited. This raises questions about whether Griner would have had access to meaningful betting channels or incentives in the first place.

While the WNBA and women’s basketball in general has grown in popularity, it’s not a sport so popular that the gambling is very profitable. However, last year’s Finals had people talking. There was definitely an interest then. In addition, stars like Angel Reese are branding the league.

But to bet on it and an active player doing so, that’s a long shot.

Final Thoughts

The viral gambling allegation against Brittney Griner is not supported by any credible evidence. Despite the buzz on social media, no WNBA statement, sports journalist, or reputable outlet has confirmed the claim. The quote from a supposed “League Ethics Manager” appears to be fabricated, and the post functions more as viral bait than legitimate journalism.

Griner continues to be a lightning rod for public opinion — not because of verified wrongdoing, but because of how polarized her image became after her Russian detainment. As the WNBA grows in popularity and media visibility, players like Griner will inevitably be targeted by misinformation campaigns.

This should be a reminder: In the age of social media, virality isn’t verification. Until or unless the WNBA makes an official statement, this rumor should be treated exactly as it is — a false narrative with no foundation.