Brittney Griner: Was suspended from the wnba| Rumors

Who Is Brittney Griner?

Brittney Griner is one of the most dominant forces in modern women’s basketball. Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall, Griner is known for her towering presence, shot-blocking skills, and powerful dunks. Born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas, she made her mark as a collegiate star at Baylor University before becoming a franchise cornerstone for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.

Griner’s accolades include:

• 8× WNBA All-Star

• 2× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

• Olympic gold medalist (2020 Tokyo)

• NCAA champion (2012)

However, her journey hasn’t been without controversy, and recently, rumors have swirled about a possible WNBA suspension.

Was Brittney Griner Suspended from the WNBA?

Contrary to what some viral posts and social media chatter have suggested, Brittney Griner has not been suspended by the WNBA. The confusion seems to have stemmed from her high-profile legal issues and detainment in Russia in 2022, but there is no official record or statement from the WNBA announcing a suspension for Griner related to performance, conduct, or any league policy violations.

Why the Confusion?

There are several reasons fans and media might think Griner was suspended:

1. Russian Detainment in 2022: Griner was arrested in February 2022 at a Moscow airport for possessing cannabis oil vape cartridges. She was sentenced to 9 years in a Russian penal colony but was later released in a prisoner swap in December 2022.

2. Missed WNBA Season: Due to her detainment, Griner missed the entire 2022 WNBA season. Some fans interpreted her absence as a suspension, but it was actually an international legal issue beyond the WNBA’s jurisdiction.

3. Speculation on Social Media: False information spreads fast online. Several unverified social media posts claimed Griner was suspended by the league, even though no WNBA or team officials made such statements.

Griner’s Return to the WNBA

After being released from Russian custody, Brittney Griner made a highly anticipated return to the WNBA in the 2023 season. Phoenix Mercury fans and WNBA supporters welcomed her back with open arms.

Performance Post-Return

Despite the traumatic experience and lengthy time away from the game, Griner quickly found her rhythm:

• Averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 2023

• Made her 9th All-Star Game appearance

• Played a leadership role in the Mercury’s rebuilding process

Her comeback was both emotional and inspirational, highlighting her resilience and commitment to the sport.

Rumors Around Brittney Griner: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?

Let’s break down some of the most common rumors circulating around Brittney Griner and distinguish the truth from speculation.

1. Rumor: Brittney Griner Was Suspended for Substance Abuse

False. There is no evidence or WNBA documentation indicating she was ever suspended for violating the league’s substance policy.

2. Rumor: Griner’s Return to the WNBA Was Controversial

Partially True. While the majority of fans and players celebrated her return, some critics questioned the political nature of the prisoner exchange that brought her back to the U.S. However, her return to basketball was met with overwhelming support within the league and from her peers.

3. Rumor: Griner May Retire Soon

Unconfirmed. Griner has not publicly announced any plans to retire. On the contrary, she has expressed a renewed love for the game and a desire to advocate for wrongfully detained Americans abroad.

Public and Media Reactions

The media played a crucial role in maintaining awareness about Brittney Griner during her time in Russia, and public figures from the sports and political worlds voiced their support.

Notably:

• LeBron James posted multiple times urging for her release.

• President Joe Biden actively worked to negotiate her release.

• The WNBA and NBA launched campaigns with her initials and jersey number on courts across the league.

This public spotlight has only increased her influence both on and off the court.

Griner’s Advocacy and Off-Court Impact

Since her return, Brittney Griner has been vocal about reform and activism, especially around the following:

1. Prison Reform and Detainee Rights

Griner is using her platform to raise awareness about Americans detained overseas. She and her wife, Cherelle Griner, have been working with lawmakers and human rights groups to advocate for change.

2. LGBTQ+ Rights

As one of the most prominent openly gay athletes in professional sports, Griner continues to be a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

3. Mental Health in Sports

Griner has spoken about the emotional toll of her detention and the importance of mental health support for athletes. Her openness is helping to reduce stigma around these issues in professional sports.

Brittney Griner’s WNBA Legacy

Griner is more than just an elite basketball player—she’s a cultural icon. Her place in WNBA history is secured due to:

• Being one of the few players to dunk in a game regularly

• Her dominance as a shot-blocker and scorer

• Her impact on social issues off the court

Griner’s resilience, athleticism, and activism ensure that her legacy will go far beyond the basketball court.

Phoenix Mercury’s Support of Griner

The Phoenix Mercury organization stood firmly behind Griner throughout her ordeal. During her absence, the team:

• Maintained her contract

• Kept her jersey visible in all games

• Actively advocated for her return in league and public forums

Upon her return, the franchise restructured aspects of its gameplay to accommodate her strengths and help reintegrate her into competitive play.

What’s Next for Brittney Griner?

As of the 2025 WNBA season, Brittney Griner remains an integral part of the Phoenix Mercury and a respected veteran of the league.

Future Possibilities:

• Coaching or mentoring young athletes post-retirement

• More international activism

• Autobiographical or documentary project (rumored to be in development)

While nothing is confirmed yet, Griner’s story is far from over.

Conclusion

Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, Brittney Griner was not suspended from the WNBA. Her absence in 2022 was due to international legal issues—not league action. Since her return, she has resumed her role as one of the WNBA’s most prominent players and continues to inspire through advocacy, athleticism, and courage.

As a dominant force on the court and a symbol of strength off of it, Griner proves that resilience, truth, and passion always shine brighter than rumors.