It was a moment that came and went in the space of a single segment—but it’s one the sports world, and perhaps the country, may be reflecting on for much longer.

During a recent broadcast of “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg made an impassioned and deeply personal plea on behalf of WNBA star Brittney Griner—a player who has not only dominated on the basketball court, but also been at the center of a cultural firestorm few athletes ever face. Goldberg’s message was clear, pointed, and impossible to ignore:

“Don’t judge her for skin color. Look at her talent.”

The comment, delivered with Goldberg’s trademark directness, didn’t draw applause in the studio. It wasn’t designed to. But it triggered something else entirely—a wave of headlines, social media reaction, and renewed scrutiny of how America treats its Black women athletes, especially those who refuse to conform to traditional molds.

A Conversation That’s Been Building for Years

 

Brittney Griner isn’t new to controversy, and she certainly isn’t new to excellence. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, multiple-time WNBA All-Star, and former Defensive Player of the Year, she has long been recognized as one of the most dominant forces in modern women’s basketball.

But her accolades have never shielded her from criticism.

From the moment she entered the league, Griner’s identity as a tall, powerful, openly gay Black woman placed her at the intersection of multiple cultural flashpoints. And while male athletes who push boundaries are often celebrated as rebels, Griner has too often been branded as a problem.

“She plays angry.”

“She doesn’t smile enough.”

“She makes people uncomfortable.”

All critiques that, when examined, seem to have less to do with performance and more to do with presence.

Goldberg knows that pattern. She’s lived it.

And in stepping forward now—at a time when Griner remains a lightning rod—Goldberg didn’t just offer support. She offered a challenge.

“She’s More Than Headlines. She’s History.”

 

Goldberg’s remarks came during a broader conversation on race and representation in sports, prompted in part by recent online backlash Griner received following her Olympic snub and WNBA performances this season.

While Griner’s game remains elite, critics have questioned everything from her off-court views to her continued visibility as a symbol of activism. In many online spaces, the language has turned toxic—veering beyond sports commentary and into character assassination.

Goldberg didn’t name names. She didn’t need to.

“Brittney Griner is an incredible athlete,” she said. “Her talent, dedication, and work ethic speak for themselves. It’s time we appreciate her for her abilities—not for the labels people try to attach.”

The moment resonated not because it was loud, but because it was earned. Goldberg’s own career—from Hollywood to politics—has mirrored the kind of scrutiny Griner now faces. And she knows how much harder it is to earn praise when your identity makes some people uncomfortable.

Griner, she argued, shouldn’t have to win more titles or defend her personal life to be respected.

She already has the resume. What’s missing, Goldberg said, is the willingness to look past prejudice.

Why It Hit a Nerve

 

It’s not just about Brittney Griner. It never has been.

Goldberg’s comments reignited long-simmering debates about the double standards faced by women of color in public life. Serena Williams. Simone Biles. Naomi Osaka. The names change, but the pattern repeats.

All are Black women. All have been at the top of their sport. And all, at various points, have faced disproportionate criticism for actions that would have been overlooked—or even celebrated—in male or white counterparts.

The message is subtle but persistent: Be excellent. But be likable. Be marketable. Be quiet.

Griner, with her unapologetic presence and outspoken views, has never fit that mold. And according to Goldberg, that’s exactly why she’s so important.

“Brittney doesn’t apologize for who she is,” she said. “That should be celebrated—not punished.”

A Broader Cultural Reckoning

 

 

Goldberg’s support came at a critical juncture—not just for Griner, but for the WNBA as a whole.

The league, which has seen record-breaking growth in viewership and sponsorships over the last two seasons, continues to grapple with its public image. Players like Caitlin Clark have brought new fans. But long-established stars like Griner have carried the league through leaner years—often without the same media spotlight or fanfare.

And as women’s sports enters a new era of visibility, the question becomes: Who gets to benefit?

For many, it’s hard to watch the cultural elevation of certain players while others—particularly Black, LGBTQ+ athletes—are left battling criticism alone.

Goldberg’s statement, then, wasn’t just about fairness. It was about recognition.

“You don’t erase the people who built the foundation,” she said.

The Russia Factor: Trauma, Silence, and the Aftermath

 

 

Though not directly mentioned during the segment, much of Griner’s recent media scrutiny can be traced back to her 2022 detainment in Russia—a saga that dominated global headlines and sparked fierce political debate.

Griner’s arrest, imprisonment, and eventual release as part of a prisoner exchange became a Rorschach test for American politics. Some viewed her as a political pawn. Others accused her of bringing the situation on herself. Few considered the emotional toll.

Upon her return, Griner remained composed in public, focusing on basketball and community work. But as Goldberg hinted, the trauma of that experience—compounded by the relentless media attention—has never fully been addressed.

“Some of us get put through fire,” Goldberg said, her voice softening. “But people only see the flames, not the scars.”

Not Just About the Game

 

 

Goldberg’s message extended beyond sports.

In defending Griner, she offered a vision of a culture that values substance over stereotype, performance over prejudice.

“We’ve come too far to still be having this conversation,” she said. “But here we are.”

That reality—that talent alone isn’t always enough—is something millions of Americans can relate to. And by framing Griner’s story as part of a broader fight for dignity and equality, Goldberg transformed a segment of daytime TV into something deeper.

Something lasting.

What Happens Next?

 

 

As of this writing, neither Griner nor her team has commented publicly on Goldberg’s remarks. But fan reactions suggest the moment didn’t go unnoticed.

Posts under The View’s social media clips show overwhelming support. Many fans thanked Goldberg for “saying what needed to be said.” Others noted how rare it is to see mainstream figures stand up for athletes when it’s not convenient or popular to do so.

Meanwhile, the WNBA continues its season, and Griner remains a cornerstone of her team. Her statistics remain strong. Her leadership remains visible. But the scrutiny, it seems, remains ever-present.

Goldberg’s comments may not erase that pressure. But they may have shifted the narrative—if only slightly.

Final Word: A Stand That Speaks for More Than One

 

 

In an era where so many celebrities choose silence, Whoopi Goldberg chose clarity.

She didn’t make a speech. She didn’t launch a campaign. She didn’t issue a carefully-worded statement.

She just told the truth, plainly.

And in doing so, she reminded millions of viewers that celebrating talent—real, earned, extraordinary talent—means nothing if it’s filtered through bias.

Brittney Griner’s career has always been about more than basketball. And now, so is the conversation around her.

Goldberg, for her part, isn’t asking for praise. She’s asking for fairness.

And that, more than any highlight reel or endorsement deal, may be the thing Griner—and so many others—deserve most of all.