WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, are ending their eight-year marriage after filing for divorce in Fulton County, Georgia court records obtained by People show. The Connecticut Sun center and her lawyer spouse separated last week, according to court documents stating their union is “irretrievably broken,” just after the couple welcomed their son, Bash, in July 2024.
Fulton County Court Filings and Custody Terms
Court documents filed Thursday in Georgia reveal that Brittney Griner, 35, and Cherelle Griner, 33, listed their separation date as last week. The legal filing requests joint custody of their two-year-old son, Bash. Brittney was a standout student-athlete at Baylor University, where she met her future wife, before eventually marrying and building a high-profile life together that included attending the 2023 Met Gala.
Detention in Russia and High-Profile Prisoner Swap
The couple’s public profile surged globally in 2022 when Brittney Griner was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow. Russian authorities arrested the basketball star for possessing cannabis vaporizer cartridges containing a small amount of hash oil. Her detention occurred just before the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, an attack that severely damaged diplomatic relations between Russia and the West.
During the four-month imprisonment, Cherelle Griner served as an outspoken advocate for her spouse. She appeared on the ABC News program “Good Morning America,” where she famously described Brittney as a “political pawn” and expressed deep concern over the psychological toll of the detention, stating, “At this point I don’t even know who I’m getting back once she comes back.” The ordeal ended in December 2022 when the Biden administration secured her release through a one-for-one prisoner swap with the Kremlin, trading Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Did You Know? Brittney Griner is the WNBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots and won a 2014 championship with the Phoenix Mercury. In April of this year, the Connecticut Sun signed the three-time Olympic gold medalist to a one-year deal reportedly worth seven figures.
Athletic Career and Recent Return to the WNBA Court
Beyond the legal proceedings, Brittney Griner remains one of the most dominant figures in women’s basketball history. A native of Texas, she was a standout student-athlete at Baylor University before launching a decorated professional career. She secured a 2014 WNBA title with the Phoenix Mercury and earned three Olympic gold medals. In April of this year, the Connecticut Sun signed the veteran center to a lucrative one-year deal valued at seven figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Brittney and Cherelle Griner file for divorce?
According to Georgia court records obtained by People, the divorce papers were filed on Thursday in Fulton County.
How long were Brittney and Cherelle Griner married?
The couple was married for eight years after Brittney met Cherelle at Baylor University.
Do Brittney and Cherelle Griner have children?
Yes, the couple welcomed a son named Bash in July 2024, and their divorce filing asks for joint custody of the two-year-old boy.
What team does Brittney Griner currently play for?
Brittney Griner plays as a center for the Connecticut Sun, who signed her to a one-year, seven-figure deal in April of this year.
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