In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has announced she is taking a temporary leave of absence from the league, just hours after filing for divorce from her wife, Cherelle Griner. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and Phoenix Mercury center cited personal reasons for the abrupt pause, leaving fans and teammates reeling.
Sources close to the couple confirm that Griner filed the paperwork in a Texas court, marking the end of a high-profile marriage that weathered public scrutiny, including her 10-month detention in Russia in 2022. Cherelle was a vocal advocate for Brittney’s release, and their reunion was widely celebrated. However, insiders suggest the strain of the past few years proved insurmountable.
The Mercury organization released a statement: “We fully support Brittney’s decision to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being. Her health, both on and off the court, is our absolute priority.” No timeline has been given for her return, leaving the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Fans have flooded social media with expressions of support, while also expressing heartbreak over the dissolution of a relationship that symbolized resilience. Griner, 33, remains one of the league’s most dominant forces, averaging 18.4 points per game this season. As she steps away to heal, the sports world waits anxiously, hoping that this pause brings her peace—and that the court will see her towering presence again soon.