WNBA News: Phoenix Mercury Undeterred By Homophobic Comments To Center In TikTok Video

While sports leagues around the world are doing their best to become inclusive, LGBT athletes still face hate and discrimination on a day-to-day basis.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner of the WNBA experienced this when the returning 6-foot-9 center recorded a selfie video for the club's TikTok account on Wednesday.

"What's up, X-Factor [Mercury fans], I'm back, just got a little workout in and ready to see you all in the first game so come on in, make sure you wear your mask, and I'll see you there," she said while inside the Mercury practice facility.

Griner missed a huge chunk of the 2020 bubble season at IMG Academy, leaving after 12 games for personal reasons.

The seven-time league blocks leader averaged 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

The TikTok video, which has garnered over 532,000 views, 78,000 likes, and 3,500 comments as of publishing time, was supposed to generate excitement for the upcoming Mercury season as they have their six-time All-Star back in the line-up.

Griner would be joining all-time great Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith in hopes of a better showing this season for the 2014 champions.

Instead, it became a sad reality check for Griner that LGBT athletes are still far from acceptance in certain communities.

"This is our most-viewed TikTok ever. And the comments are vile," the Mercury stated in a social media post, taking the higher road and being in full support of Griner.

"That’s why our athletes continue their work as activists and to bring visibility to marginalized groups. The work continues. We won’t be bullied, intimidated or deterred."

The 30-year-old big came out as lesbian in an interview with Sports Illustrated back in 2013, where she cited getting bullied as a child.

She proposed to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in 2014, although the two annulled a year after their marriage highlighted by distress.

Griner is best known for her in-game dunks and shot-blocking ability, while also being a decorated athlete who has won championships in the Olympics, World Cup, EuroLeague, and WNBA stages.