Brittney Griner, the celebrated basketball star, recently addressed the controversy surrounding her removal from the U.S. team. In a candid and emotional statement, Griner defended her actions and took responsibility for her mistakes. She emphasized that, despite her errors, her love for America remains unwavering and profound.
Griner began by acknowledging the wrongdoing that led to her removal from the team. She expressed deep regret and apologized to her teammates, coaches, and fans. “I made a mistake,” she said.
“I am human, and I own up to my actions. I never intended to let anyone down, especially my team and my country.” She went on to provide context for her actions, explaining the circumstances and pressures she faced at the time. While not seeking to excuse her behavior, Griner aimed to shed light on the situation that led to her lapse in judgment.
“It’s important for people to understand that professional athletes are under immense pressure. We are not just playing a game; we are representing our country, our fans, and ourselves. Sometimes, that pressure can lead to poor decisions.”
In her statement, Griner also expressed her deep love for America. “I love America more than anyone in this world,” she declared. “This country has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams, to become the athlete I am today, and to inspire others.
My love for this nation is unwavering, and that is why it hurts so much to know that I have let it down.” Griner’s words were heartfelt and sincere, reflecting her commitment to making amends and moving forward positively.
She spoke about her plans to give back to the community and work towards regaining the trust of her fans and fellow citizens.
“I am dedicated to learning from this experience and using it as a catalyst for growth. I will work harder than ever to prove that I am worthy of representing the United States and to make a positive impact both on and off the court.”
Her statement concluded with a message of hope and resilience. “Mistakes do not define us; how we respond to them does. I am committed to showing that I can rise above this, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Together, we can overcome adversity and become stronger.” Brittney Griner’s openness and willingness to take responsibility for her actions demonstrate her strength of character.
Her love for America and her determination to make amends highlight her resilience and dedication to personal growth and national pride.
Love Island host Maya Jama was quick to insist she was only joking after she made a comment about the number of people Islander Ciaran Davies had slept with
Maya Jama found herself in hot water for a moment when she made a sex joke about Ciaran Davies.
The Love Island presenter was hosting spin-off show Aftersun on Sunday (June 30) when she joked that the Islander could have had sex with his cousin. Maya spoke to panelists Amy Hart and Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson about Ciaran's claim he'd slept with 120 people.
Ciaran had revealed his bodycount to current partner Nicole Samuel. Sam said: "You'd lose count! Unless he's got an Excel spreadsheet. How does he know it's 120?" Amy said: "The thing is though, they're both from Wales, 20 minutes away from each other. So they might go out clubbing and all 120 might be there."
READ MORE: BBC Breakfast turns awkward as Naga Munchetty labels Charlie Stayt 'spoilsport'
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
Maya joked: "Might have sh**ged a cousin, who knows." She left the live TV audience gasping before adding: "I'm joking!" Maya swiftly moved on to the topic of Casa Amor, but fans couldn't help talking about the moment on social media.
Maya Jama joked that Ciaran sh***ed a cousin (Image: ITV)
One wrote on X: "Gunna sh**ged her cousin hahaha. Maya on form, still p***ed from Glasto #LoveIslandaftersun ". Another penned: "He might have sh**ged his cousin MAYA STOP IT NOWWWW".
A third added: "I didn't think about that but Maya had a point with the comment on Nicole's cousin #loveIsland #LoveIslandAfterSun". A fourth feared: "I feel like Maya is gonna pay for the cousin comment #loveislandaftersun".
Promoted Stories
Maya presented Aftersun with a raspy voice after attending Glastonbury Festival (Image: ITV)
Maya apologised for her raspy voice during the show, insisting Glastonbury was to blame but that she was committed to getting through it. The most recent stars dumped, Harriett Blackmore and Ronnie Vint, also appeared in the studio.
Asked whether they knew they would be causing trouble, Ronnie said he did and added: "I started off eyes on Jess, then I see this one in the kitchen and it's dangerous." Discussing the love triangle, he added. "I hit a big speedbump and Harriett came and picked me up."
Ciaran told Nicole he'd slept with 120 women (Image: ITV)
Harriett said her journey in the villa was "very up and down" but that she and Ronnie had "such a good connection from the beginning". But a clip of Ronnie kissing Tiffany Leighton was played and it seems Harriett wasn't aware the pair kissed.
Ronnie covered Harriett's eyes as the video played and he insisted: "I'm a changed man. You have to learn from your mistakes. I'm happy"
When Maya asked Harriett how she felt about seeing that footage, she responded: "Obviously I didn't expect that, but we're in a good place now. It's all in the past."
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Good Morning Britain star Andi Peters got on the wrong side of his co-star Kate Garraway during the latest broadcast as she was forced to interrupt him in the studio
Good Morning Britain star Andi Peters was forced to apologise to Kate Garraway on air.
GMB was hosted by Kate and Robert Rinder on Friday (June 28) as Andi was on hand to share the latest competition updates. Kate, 57, revealed that one lucky fan could win a huge amount of money if they entered the competition.
A whopping £250,000 was up for grabs, so she tried to hand over to Andi, 53. But unfortunately, he wasn't listening and was, instead, chatting to co-star Charlotte Hawkins.
READ MORE: GMB host tells co-star 'you're a mean girl' as things get 'awkward' in wardrobe chat
READ MORE:Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
"Andi is so excited about the prize," Kate said, not resisting a pop at Peters for losing focus. "He's got up early. He's joining us in the studio. He's having a good old gossip with Charlotte Hawkins... ignoring us?" Kate continued before shouting her co-star's name, cutting him off.
Kate was forced to cut off her co-star's conversation (Image: (Image: ITV))
Andi was quick to apologise and yelled "Sorry!" from across the studio, admitting he was having a pop at Charlotte's outfit. He added: "I was just telling Charlotte she looks like she's been tangoed."
Charlotte, who was wearing a bright orange dress, said: "Yeah, thanks for that." Kate, who was wearing a bright pink blouse, quipped: "We're a couple of highlighter pens this morning, Charlotte and I."
Promoted Stories
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Kate tried to hold back tears during an emotional interview on Thursday's GMB. The mum-of-two was speaking to the parents of Charlie Cosser, who was stabbed to death at a gathering in West Sussex.
Kate and co-host Rob Rinder were joined by Tara and Martin Cosser, who are campaigning for tougher knife crime laws, following the death of their son at the age of 17. Kate asked: "And your own grief, you know the centre of that sort of stone that ripples out ... people react in different ways.
GMB's Kate Garraway was forced to fight back tears during an emotional segment (Image: ITV)
"How have you tried to manage the last year and what do you want people to know about how hard it is, really?" Tara explained: "Martin and I grieve in very different ways. I feel comfort ... well, not comfort ... but I want to be at home. You know that's where Charlie was, all my memories."
"That's too painful for Martin - he wants to escape. So you know we don't actually spend a huge [amount] of time together in the house. It's just a very, very lonely place because no one can possibly understand unless you've been through this."
Kate, who seemed to choke back tears during the interview, is far too familiar with grief as her husband Derek Draper died aged 56 in January following a lengthy battle with COVID-19.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.