Brittney Griner (Photo by: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream star Brittney Griner received a threatening message that was so disturbing that she removed herself from a public event out of fear for her safety.

According to TMZ Sports, Brittney Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in National Harbor, Maryland. The WNBA legend bowed out for her safety after coming across a disturbing hotel room that read, “Gay Baby Jail.”

More from the report:

“We’re told Griner — who is gay and was, of course, once imprisoned in Russia for marijuana possession — was mortified at the message … and immediately canceled her scheduled appearance to return home.

TMZ Sports has learned … the WNBA superstar was slated to talk at the Women Grow Leadership Summit in National Harbor, Md. — but bolted from the event on Monday morning after discovering a piece of duct tape near her entryway that had the words “Gay Baby Jail” written on it.”

However, police officials believe the note was merely a “coincidence” and not an intended threat against Griner. The Prince George’s County Police Department put out the following statement, per TMZ Sports:

“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference. At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

Brittney Griner has been married to her wife, Chanelle, since 2019. The two had their first child, a boy, last July. Griner has been a major advocate for LGBTQ rights, donating $5,000 to a Phoenix youth center in 2017.

Monday marked three years since the 34-year-old Griner was arrested in Russia for containing under a gram of hash oil. She was sentenced to nine years in prison six months later, but four months later, President Joe Biden agreed to a 1-for-1 prisoner swap with Russian officials that sent convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout back to Russia.

Brittney Griner Prepares For First Season With Atlanta

Brittney Griner (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
The 10-time WNBA All-Star spent her entire career with the Phoenix Mercury from 2013-2024 before testing free agency this year. The 2014 WNBA Champion left the Mercury to sign a one-year pact with the Atlanta Dream in free agency.

The Dream are coming off a disappointing 15-25 season that saw them get swept in the opening round of the playoffs by the New York Liberty. The Dream haven’t won a playoff series since 2016, but we’ll see if the addition of Griner can end the drought in 2025.