Brittney Griner is putting her mental health over her career right now.
As reported on CNN, the nine-time WNBA All-Star is opting out of traveling with her Phoenix Mercury team for an away game to Chicago and Indiana. The road trip is for two days, but after spending nearly 300 days in a Russian prison/penal colony, it’s seemingly understandable.
It’s not clear exactly why BG doesn’t want to go. She’s been keeping a low profile on social media. Her team fully has her back and in a statement said, “The Mercury fully supports Brittney and we will continue to work together on a timeline for her return.”
Earlier this month, BG penned a sweet birthday message to her wife of 5 years, Cherelle Griner. In part, she wrote, “I’m grateful that on this day @cherelletgriner was brought into this world. Without her, I wouldn’t have found my person I wouldn’t know what love is and I for sure would feel alone in this world if you weren’t here.”
In February 2022, BG was detained in Russia and eventually sentenced to nine years in prison under drug-smuggling charges. She pleaded guilty, but the US categorized her as wrongfully detained. In a dramatic drawn-out prisoner exchange last December, she was able to return on American soil.
In an interview earlier this year, BG said she would never play overseas, unless she’s representing the U.S. She’s also releasing a memoir about the traumatic experience.
She resigned her contract for one year with Phoenix Mercury and returned to the court last month. The publication points out she played in 20 games for Phoenix this season and is averaging 18.2 points 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Hopefully, all is well with BG, sending love and light.