Feb. 19 (UPI) — WNBA star Brittney Griner canceled a scheduled appearance this week at a Maryland cannabis convention after a “threatening” note was discovered in her hotel room, event organizers say.
“At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape,” according to Prince George County police officials.
Griner, 34, was slated to appear at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the National Harbor waterfront hub for the Women Grow Leadership Conference, but opted to back out of the event after a piece of duct tape with the words “Gay Baby Jail” written near the door of her hotel room, CBS affiliate WUSA-TV reported Tuesday.
“We were really excited because she brings a beacon of hope to our industry, but we know security is a major importance,” Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told news media.
But according to the Prince George County police officials, it was likely left in the room by a previous guest.
“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” they wrote.
The hotel claimed cleaning staff missed it and that it was a bad joke left by a previous guest.
“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,” police officials said.
An openly gay athlete and Texas native, Griner spent 10 months and nearly 300 days in a Russian jail after being charged and convicted of a marijuana-related drug offense when airport authorities in Moscow found a vape canister and cannabis oil in what U.S. officials said was an unjust detainment just prior the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“If there was a woman that feels threatened at any reason whatsoever, they should do what they feel is best for them,” added Macias.
The Atlanta Dream center was sentenced to serve nine years in a Russian penal colony after her conviction for carrying less than a gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. She was finally granted her freedom in 2022 and landed at the U.S. military’s Kelly Field in San Antonio on Dec. 9 after a one-for-one prisoner exchange with Russian authorities the day before.
“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,” Women Grow’s Macias told NBC in a statement.
