Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the Baylor women’s basketball team, is known for her attention-grabbing fashion choices. She has never shied away from the camera and loves being in the spotlight. So it comes as no surprise that she might show up for a photo-op on Brittney Griner’s big night, even though the two have a contentious relationship.
Griner, who is considered the greatest player in the history of the Baylor women’s basketball team and one of the best athletes the school has produced, is finally getting her number retired. She left the program in 2013 and finished her degree in 2019, but on February 18, her number will finally be honored.
Griner expressed her excitement about returning to Baylor and celebrating where her journey started. She thanked Coach Nicki Collen and the entire Baylor community for the opportunity to be back on campus and have her family by her side for this incredible moment.
While Griner’s relationship with the school has been strained for years, it seems that some of the ice has melted. However, a significant factor in their strained relationship is Kim Mulkey. Griner has spoken about how Mulkey discouraged players from being open about their sexuality, fearing it would affect recruiting. Additionally, when Griner was imprisoned in Russia, Mulkey’s support was minimal, which disappointed many.
Surprisingly, it was former Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard who spoke out about the situation, criticizing Mulkey’s lack of support for Griner. Mulkey, on the other hand, offered only a brief statement, expressing gratitude that Griner was returning home and offering prayers for her and her family.
It is worth noting that Mulkey’s LSU team won the national championship last season, which resulted in a White House visit where she and President Biden were in the same room. Coincidentally, Mulkey’s team does not have a game on the night Griner will be honored, and LSU will already be in or on their way to Texas for a game against Texas A&M.
It is clear that Griner deserves to be honored for her incredible achievements, including being a three-time All-American, a National and Big 12 Player of the Year, and leading Baylor to its second national title during a perfect 40-0 season. She was also the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft and became an Olympian. Griner’s contributions to Baylor women’s basketball cannot be overstated.
Despite the strained relationship between Griner and Mulkey, it is important to recognize their impact on the program. Baylor women’s basketball would not be what it is today without them. So, for one night in February, Mulkey should put aside any personal animosity and do the right thing by showing up to honor the best player she has ever coached.
Griner’s accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, and it would be a powerful statement of unity and respect if Mulkey were to attend the ceremony. It is time for Mulkey to set aside any personal differences and recognize the incredible legacy of Brittney Griner.
