Brittney Griner, a standout athlete in the WNBA, has had the support of her partner, Cherelle Griner, throughout her career. The couple met while both were undergraduates at Baylor University in Texas, and they began dating after Brittney split from her first wife, Glory Johnson. Despite the rocky start to their relationship, Brittney and Cherelle have been vocal about their love for each other and often post about their relationship on social media. In August 2018, Brittney proposed to Cherelle, and they got married a year later, celebrating their relationship milestones together.
In 2022, the couple faced a challenging situation when Brittney was detained in Russia on drug charges while playing for the EuroLeague team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. The news of her detention came two weeks before the information reached the United States. Officials were concerned about an aggressive response due to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, but the U.S. State Department later stated that Russia had wrongfully detained Brittney, paving the way for her safe return. The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, expressed her support for Brittney, acknowledging the difficult circumstances she faced.
Throughout Brittney’s time in Russia, Cherelle showed her unwavering support for her wife, sharing videos of Brittney’s games on social media and expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans. In March 2022, Cherelle noted that it was one of the weakest moments of her life, but she remained hopeful for Brittney’s safe return. Finally, in December 2022, Cherelle was present at the White House when President Joe Biden announced Brittney’s release from Russian custody. Biden emphasized that Brittney should have been with her loved ones all along and commended the efforts to secure her return.
The couple’s relationship has been marked by unwavering support and love for each other, even in the face of difficult challenges such as Brittney’s detainment in Russia. Their public displays of affection on social media and their shared celebrations of milestones underscore their strong bond and commitment to each other. Despite facing adversity, Brittney and Cherelle have shown resilience and unity, with Cherelle standing by her wife throughout the ordeal. Their relationship serves as an inspiration to many for its strength and enduring love.
As they navigate the ups and downs of professional sports and personal challenges, Brittney and Cherelle continue to prioritize their relationship and support each other in their respective endeavors. Their story highlights the importance of love and companionship in overcoming obstacles and standing strong together. The couple’s journey from college sweethearts to partners facing international crises showcases the power of love and unity in weathering storms and emerging stronger on the other side. Brittney and Cherelle’s commitment to each other is a testament to the enduring power of love and unwavering support in the face of adversity.
