Has WNBA introduced mandatory sex testing? Examining internet claim about Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner has found herself at the center of another WNBA controversy. One social media account claimed that the WNBA will start mandatory sex testing for all players and that Griner would not be allowed to compete until she was tested.

The original Facebook post was released early Monday morning by an account called POP Shady Music Facts and quickly went viral.

"BREAKING: WNBA announces mandatory sex testing for all players – says Brittney Griner will NOT be allowed to compete in the women’s division until he undergoes testing," the post said.

The post gained traction after it was uploaded in the New Heights Group on Facebook, which has more than 645,000 members. However, the account that posted the claim has a history of spreading false information.

A day earlier, it claimed that Angel Reese had been suspended by the Sky after an altercation in practice.

The WNBA has not made any kind of announcement about sex testing. The league does have its players undergo drug testing to ensure that none of them are using PEDs to enhance their play, but there has never been sex testing.

Griner is in her 12th season in the WNBA and first with the Atlanta Dream.

Brittney Griner shut down fake quotes regarding her, Angel Reese and Allen Iverson

This is not the first time that Griner has dealt with false rumors this season. Earlier this week, a rumor emerged that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese claimed that Griner could defeat NBA legend Allen Iverson in a one-on-one game. It originated from comedian Shuler King on his YouTube channel.

Both Reese and Griner took to social media to shoot down the rumor.

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"when did i say this??" Reese asked on social media. "yall really make up something new everyday lmaooo"

Griner echoed Reese's sentiment, showing respect for Iverson and how talented he was during his career.

"We know this fake," Griner said in her post. "AI is, was, and will be one of the most exciting players to watch. I get crossed up watching his highlights. Lol."

About the author

Zachary Howell is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and over a year of experience in the field.

Being introduced to the digital side of content inspired Zachary to become a writer, and his love of basketball made this an obvious transition.

His favorite team is the OKC Thunder, and Zachary started following them in 2011 when they were on the rise with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. His favorite basketball players from the past are Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal. Those three came to define their eras of basketball and were dominant without beating their chests too much. Zachary is a big fan of quiet greatness and these three players are good embodiments of that.

When not writing or watching sports, Zachary enjoys reading and exercising, as well as gaming. He loves to be outside and spend time with friends and family, including his three dogs.

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Edited by Nadim El Kak