Brittney Griner Ejected After Near-Fight in Mercury-Sparks

Sparks' Smith Engaged in Heated Exchange with Griner, Sparks Coach Curt Miller Calls Out Griner

Griner's Physical Play a Point of Contention After Ejection

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury was ejected from Friday night's game against the Las Vegas Aces after a near-fight with A'ja Wilson of the Aces.

The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, with the Aces leading 67-57. Griner was called for a foul on Wilson, and the two players exchanged words. The situation quickly escalated, with Griner shoving Wilson and Wilson responding with a push of her own.

Officials quickly intervened and separated the players. Griner was assessed a technical foul and ejected from the game.

After the game, Sparks coach Curt Miller criticized Griner's physical play, saying that she "crossed the line." Miller also said that Griner's ejection was a "turning point" in the game, as the Sparks went on to lose to the Aces 93-80.

Griner's ejection is the latest in a series of incidents involving her physical play. In 2015, she was suspended for seven games after elbowing Chiney Ogwumike in the face. She was also ejected from a game in 2018 after hitting Liz Cambage in the head with an elbow.

Griner's physical play has been a point of contention throughout her career. Some critics argue that she is too aggressive and that her play puts other players at risk of injury. Others defend Griner, saying that she is simply playing hard and that her physicality is part of what makes her one of the best players in the league.

The WNBA has not yet commented on Griner's ejection. It is unclear if she will face any further discipline from the league.