In an unexpected twist during a casual live stream, Jack McCaffery, the younger brother of Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, found himself at the center of a social media storm. Joined by Iowa Hawkeyes player Jada Gyamfi, McCaffery made some eyebrow-raising comments about WNBA star Brittney Griner, touching on her gender identity and her well-publicized prisoner swap ordeal with Russia.
During the live stream, McCaffery nonchalantly referred to Griner’s preference for the nickname “Pops,” a detail she shared when discussing her new role as a parent. He then veered into more controversial territory, referencing her detention in Russia and the high-stakes exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout that secured her release. As McCaffery talked, the live stream’s comment section lit up with reactions, ranging from shock to outright dismay, but Gyamfi kept the broadcast rolling.
For those unfamiliar, Brittney Griner’s journey back to the WNBA after her detainment in Russia has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Arrested in 2022 for possessing cannabis oils, Griner spent nearly a year in a Russian penal colony before the diplomatic drama ended with her return to the U.S. Since then, she’s rejoined the Phoenix Mercury and even played in the latest WNBA All-Star game, where her Team USA lost to Caitlin Clark’s Team WNBA in a high-scoring showdown.
Despite the unexpected live stream drama, Caitlin Clark herself had only positive things to say about Griner. The Indiana Fever rookie recently expressed her admiration for Griner’s kind words about her transition from college basketball to the pros. “Super kind,” Clark remarked, recalling a previous encounter with Griner. “As long as I’ve watched this league, she’s been a staple of it and absolutely tremendous. So, for her to say that is not something you take lightly.”
Griner, known for her dominant presence on the court, has been a fixture in the WNBA for over a decade, boasting a championship title and ten All-Star appearances. Her prowess in blocking shots has earned her a spot among the league’s best bigs. But beyond her stats, Griner’s resilience and openness about her identity have made her a respected figure both on and off the court.
As the dust settles from the live stream incident, it’s clear that while some may be quicker to stir the pot, others, like Clark and Griner, continue to build bridges in the WNBA community. The unexpected drama serves as a reminder of the complexities of public life, especially in an age where every word can be amplified to the world in an instant.
