Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, was a no-show for a speaking engagement she was booked for just outside of Washington, DC. 

The Atlanta Dream center’s decision stemmed from a note she discovered near the entrance to her hotel room in National Harbor, Maryland.

Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb. 17.

But, event organizers informed attendees that Griner pulled out after she saw “threatening objects and words” outside her hotel room.

The note in question contained the words “Gay Baby Jail,” WUSA 9 reported. The words appeared to be written on a piece of duct tape.

An investigation has been initiated by The Prince George’s County Police Department at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, where the conference was being held.

According to a statement from the police as reported by TMZ Sports, detectives have discovered that the term ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used in reference to a video game. The police noted that at the time when the tape was found, the Gaylord was hosting a large convention that attracted numerous attendees interested in anime and video games. Currently, no connection or threat against the guest who discovered the tape has been identified by detectives.

Women Grow is an organization that brings women together with the goal of promoting leadership within the cannabis industry. Women Grow CEO Dr.

During an interview with WUSA9, Chanda Macias mentioned that hotel staff informed her that the message was a cruel prank left by a previous guest, which unfortunately was not cleaned up by the housekeeping staff. 

“I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias said.

Investigators did add that “detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it.”

A 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated is believed to have marked the first time Griner pubically discussed her sexuality.

During the interview, Griner was asked about the differences in public acceptance as it related to male athletes vs. female athletes revealing their sexuality.

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told the outlet at the time. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.” Griner added that she did not prioritize what others thought of her personal life.

“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, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been married to Cherelle Griner, since 2019. The couple welcomed their first child together in July 2024.

Griner spent the first 11 seasons of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed a contract with the Dream in January.