Brittney Griner, the standout basketball player for Baylor University from 2011 to 2013 under coach Kim Mulkey, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, including their national championship win in 2012. Despite outward praise for Griner’s talent, there were underlying tensions in her relationship with Mulkey, particularly regarding Griner’s sexuality.

Griner disclosed her sexual orientation to Mulkey upon joining the team, but she felt unsupported by her coach, who reportedly prioritized recruiting considerations over personal support. This strained dynamic continued when Griner faced legal trouble in Russia in 2022, with Mulkey notably silent on the matter despite public scrutiny.

Following Griner’s release from detention, Mulkey acknowledged her return but maintained a distance, failing to offer direct support or communication. Griner’s achievements at Baylor, including a perfect season and national titles, should have warranted the retirement of her jersey number 42, but Mulkey’s policy requiring players to graduate before jersey retirement delayed this honor.

Kim Mulkey was absent from Brittney Griner’s jersey retirement

Eventually, under new leadership, Baylor chose to recognize Griner’s contributions, though Mulkey’s absence at the ceremony spoke volumes about their strained relationship.

Griner’s statement regarding her jersey retirement focused on gratitude toward the Baylor community, notably omitting any mention of Mulkey. In response, Mulkey offered tepid approval of the ceremony but displayed no enthusiasm or reconciliation efforts. It appears that the rift between Griner and Mulkey remains unresolved, with little hope for reconciliation in the near future.