Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in Monday’s WNBA draft, has acknowledged in interviews that she is gay.
The 6-foot-8, three-time All-America center from Baylor said she has previously talked about her sexuality, but this appears to be the first time she’s discussed the matter publicly.
In a group interview with SI.com that included Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins, the Nos. 2 and 3 picks in Monday’s WNBA draft, the players were asked, in women’s sports as opposed to men’s, why athletes coming out is accepted.
“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told SI.com. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.”
Griner said it doesn’t matter what others might think of her or other gay athletes.
“Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.
Griner finished her four-year Baylor career as the second all-time scorer in women’s NCAA history with 3,283 points. She also had a record 18 dunks —- including 11 this season.