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WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle, joyfully announced the impending arrival of their first child in an Instagram post on Saturday. Accompanied by a tender ultrasound image, the couple expressed their anticipation, stating, "Can't believe we're less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being," alongside the hashtags, "#BabyGrinerComingSoon" and "#July2024."
Griner, aged 33, recently reaffirmed her commitment to the Phoenix Mercury for the upcoming 2024 WNBA season. Her return to the court follows a tumultuous period in 2022 when she faced nearly 300 days of wrongful detention in Russia.
Having played for a Russian women's basketball team during the off-season for several years, Griner's ordeal began in February 2022. She was apprehended at a Moscow airport after authorities discovered cannabis oil in her possession. Despite asserting that the inclusion of the substance was unintentional, she was sentenced to nine years in prison for alleged drug smuggling.
The United States government intervened, labeling Griner's detention as unjust. Through diplomatic negotiations, she was eventually released in December 2022, as part of a prisoner exchange involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Her experience shed light on the financial constraints faced by WNBA players, prompting many to seek higher-paying opportunities abroad during the off-season.
Returning to the court in 2023, Griner showcased her unwavering talent, averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Her stellar performance positioned her second in the league for field goal percentage (56.0%) and third in blocks (1.6), further solidifying her status as a basketball powerhouse. Currently, Griner holds the esteemed position of third on the WNBA's all-time blocks list.
As she embarks on her 11th season, Griner's accolades speak volumes, boasting nine WNBA All-Star selections and a coveted WNBA title in 2014. Amidst her professional triumphs, the forthcoming addition to her family marks a deeply personal milestone for Griner and her wife, Cherelle, as they eagerly anticipate the arrival of their child in July 2024.
Jeff Ian
