WNBA star Brittney Griner found herself in an unsettling situation on Monday morning when she discovered a piece of duct tape with the phrase “Gay Baby Jail” written on it in her hotel room. Griner, a prominent openly gay athlete, initially interpreted the note as a threatening message. The event occurred at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, where Griner was scheduled to speak at a cannabis industry event.

The 34-year-old athlete, who made headlines after being detained in Russia for nearly ten months in 2022 on charges of marijuana possession, had been preparing to address a group of cannabis enthusiasts at an event organized by Women Grow, a group focused on supporting women in the marijuana industry. However, the discovery of the tape caused Griner to flee the venue.

Griner’s initial concern over the note was fueled by the fact that the phrase “Gay Baby Jail” seemed threatening, especially considering her background as a queer athlete who had been imprisoned abroad. However, it soon became apparent that the message was not intended as a personal threat.

Prince George’s County Police Department later revealed that “Gay Baby Jail” is a phrase commonly associated with video games, specifically referring to a glitch where players are trapped in a level and unable to progress. It’s understood to be part of a meme culture related to video games and anime fandoms, and not a targeted attack on Griner. At the time the note was found, a large convention was being held at the Gaylord, attracting thousands of people, many of whom were video game enthusiasts.

Police confirmed there was no direct link to Griner, nor did they find evidence to suggest the note was malicious.

Despite the clarification that the note may have been a mere coincidence, Griner’s response to the situation was met with full support from Women Grow. Chanda Macias, CEO of the organization, expressed solidarity with Griner, saying, “Regardless of whether this was a targeted attack or an unfortunate coincidence, the entire Women Grow community and I wholeheartedly support Brittney’s decision and stand with her at this time.” Macias assured that the hotel had responded by confirming the note was a joke, likely overlooked by cleaning staff.

The discovery of the tape in Griner’s hotel room comes after the athlete endured an arduous year in 2022. Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport after authorities found cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her luggage. She was sentenced to nine years in prison, an unusually harsh sentence considering the typical punishment for her offense would have been no more than 15 days.

The incident drew international attention, with many accusing the Russian government of using her as a bargaining chip in the ongoing tensions between Russia and the U.S. Griner’s case was eventually resolved through a prisoner exchange, where she was swapped for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer.

The decision to release Bout in exchange for Griner’s freedom stirred controversy, as it involved the return of a figure involved in serious international crimes. However, many were focused on Griner’s release, and she was eventually brought back to the U.S. in December 2022.

Since her return, Griner has faced the difficult task of rebuilding her life both personally and professionally. She has shared her experiences, including the time she spent in a notorious Russian penal colony, and has become a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She and her wife, Cherelle, welcomed a baby boy in late 2024, marking a new chapter in their lives.

Earlier this year, Griner made the decision to leave the Phoenix Mercury, the team she had been with for her entire WNBA career, and sign with the Atlanta Dream. This move was seen as a significant change in her career as she looked to start fresh following her traumatic experience in Russia.

While Griner’s encounter with the duct tape note may have been unsettling, it appears to be a misunderstanding rather than a direct threat. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of the many challenges Griner has faced in recent years. From her unjust imprisonment in Russia to the ongoing issues surrounding her personal life, Griner has continued to persevere and speak out on behalf of marginalized communities.

Her strength and resilience have inspired countless fans and athletes around the world. As she moves forward in her career with the Atlanta Dream, Griner’s story remains one of both hardship and triumph, proving her ability to rise above the obstacles thrown in her path.