History of Brittney Griner in Timeline
Brittney Yvette Griner is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. A dominant center, she's a six-time WNBA All-Star and has won three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. women's national team, showcasing her skill on the international stage. In 2023, Time magazine recognized her influence by naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
October 18, 1990: Brittney Griner's Birth
On October 18, 1990, Brittney Yvette Griner was born. She is now known as a professional basketball player.
1998: Margo Dydek's Blocks Record
In 1998, Margo Dydek held the WNBA record for blocks before Brittney Griner surpassed it in 2015.
2006: Alison Bales Held NCAA Women's Tournament Record
In 2006, Duke's Alison Bales previously held the record of 30 blocks in the NCAA Women's Tournament, before Brittney Griner surpassed it.
November 11, 2008: Recorded 25 Blocks in a Game
On November 11, 2008, Brittney Griner recorded 25 blocks in a game against Houston Alief Hastings, setting the record for the most blocks ever recorded by a female in a high school game in the U.S.
May 7, 2009: Brittney Griner Day
On May 7, 2009, Houston mayor Bill White declared it Brittney Griner Day, recognizing her achievements in basketball.
December 16, 2009: Recorded Baylor's First Triple-Double
On December 16, 2009, Brittney Griner recorded Baylor's first triple-double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and a Big 12 Conference record of 11 blocked shots.
2009: WBCA All-American
In 2009, Brittney Griner was named a WBCA All-American and participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game, scoring 20 points and collecting 9 rebounds.
2009: Named Nation's No. 1 High School Women's Basketball Player
In 2009, Brittney Griner was named the nation's No. 1 high school women's basketball player by Rivals.com and was selected to the 2009 All-American basketball team, marking her as a top prospect.
2009: Named number-one high school player by Rivals.com
In 2009, Griner was recognized as the top high school player in the country by Rivals.com and was featured on the cover of ESPN's Rise magazine. Additionally, she was selected by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the 2009 State Farm/WBCA High School Player of the Year.
January 2010: Dunked During a Women's College Basketball Game
In January 2010, Brittney Griner became only the seventh player to dunk during a women's college basketball game, and only the second woman to dunk twice in a single college game, marking a significant achievement in women's basketball.
September 2011: Played for U.S. national team during European training tour
In September 2011, Brittney Griner, while still in college, played for two weeks under coach Geno Auriemma for the U.S. national team as part of its European training tour. She was the only college player in the group, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds a game for the U.S. team in Europe.
April 3, 2012: Won Division I Women's Basketball Championship
On April 3, 2012, Brittney Griner led Baylor to win the Division I Women's Basketball Championship with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots in an 80–61 victory over Notre Dame, finishing the season undefeated with 40 wins.
April 2012: Opted out of 2012 Olympics
In April 2012, Griner decided not to participate in the 2012 Olympics due to family illness and her school schedule, despite being the only college player on the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team finalists roster.
2012: Breakout Junior Year
In 2012, Brittney Griner had a breakout junior year, earning recognition as a three-time All-American, AP Player of the Year, Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, leading Baylor to the National Championship, and winning the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award.
2012: Recipient of Wade Trophy and Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
In 2012, Brittney Griner received the Wade Trophy, awarded to the best female NCAA Division I basketball player, and also won the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the nation's top Division I women's player.
2012: Named AP Player of the Year
In 2012, Brittney Griner was named the AP Player of the Year and The 2012 Premier Player of Women's College Basketball after averaging 23.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 5 blocks per game during her junior season.
2012: Awards
In 2012, Griner won the Honda Sports Award for basketball and the overall Honda-Broderick Cup for all sports.
February 11, 2013: Publicly came out as a lesbian
On February 11, 2013, Griner publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with SI.com. She also revealed she was bullied as a child for being different and bigger, and because of her sexuality.
April 2013: Interest from Dallas Mavericks
In April 2013, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban expressed interest in potentially drafting Brittney Griner to the NBA, but no offer was extended.
May 27, 2013: Debut and Dunk Record
On May 27, 2013, in her WNBA debut against the Chicago Sky, Brittney Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record, recording two dunks and becoming the third WNBA player to dunk.
2013: Played for Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China
During the 2013-14 off-season, Brittney Griner played in China for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the WCBA. She signed a four-month contract for $600,000, which was 12 times the amount she made in her rookie season with the Mercury.
2013: Selected First Overall in WNBA Draft
In 2013, Brittney Griner was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, launching her professional basketball career.
2013: Winner of the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
In 2013, Brittney Griner won the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award for the second consecutive year. The award is given by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association to the nation's top Division I women's player.
2013: Featured on the cover of ESPN Magazine
In 2013, Griner was featured on the cover of ESPN Magazine's "The Taboo Issue", pictured holding a snake, her favorite animal, which she believes is misunderstood.
2013: Won the ESPY Award for best female college athlete
In 2013, Griner won the ESPY Award for best female college athlete.
2013: Baylor Lost to Louisville in NCAA Tournament
In the 2013 NCAA women's basketball tournament, Baylor lost to the University of Louisville Cardinals during Brittney Griner's senior year, in the Sweet 16.
June 29, 2014: WNBA Record with 11 Blocks
On June 29, 2014, Brittney Griner set a WNBA record with 11 blocks in a regular season game win against the Tulsa Shock, along with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
August 14, 2014: Engaged to Glory Johnson
On August 14, 2014, Brittney Griner became engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.
August 24, 2014: First WNBA Player to Dunk in Playoff Game
On August 24, 2014, Brittney Griner became the first WNBA player to dunk in a playoff game, helping the Mercury defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 93–68.
2014: FIBA Women's World Cup Winner
Brittney Griner was a FIBA Women's World Cup winner with Team USA in 2014, adding to her international achievements.
2014: Played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia
During the 2014-15 off-season, Griner played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg with teammate Diana Taurasi, winning back-to-back championships.
2014: Included in The Advocate's "40 under 40" list
In 2014, Brittney Griner was included in The Advocate's annual "40 under 40" list.
2014: Named one of ESPNW's Impact 25
In 2014, Brittney Griner was named one of ESPNW's Impact 25.
2014: Named MVP of the WCBA All-Star Game
In 2014, Brittney Griner was named the MVP of the WCBA All-Star Game. During the 2014-15 off-season, she also played for the Beijing Great Wall of the WCBA where the team finished as the runner-up in the playoff.
2014: Won the 2014 WNBA championship
In 2014, Brittney Griner won the WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury, marking a significant achievement in her professional career.
2014: Published memoir 'In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court'
In 2014, Griner's memoir, titled "In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court" co-written with Sue Hovey, was published. The memoir addresses topics such as bullying and self-acceptance.
2014: Historic Season and WNBA Championship
In 2014, the Phoenix Mercury, led by Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Candice Dupree, finished with a WNBA record of 29–5 and swept the Chicago Sky to capture the Mercury's third championship.
April 22, 2015: Arrested for assault and disorderly conduct
On April 22, 2015, Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson were arrested on charges of assault and disorderly conduct after police responded to a fight between the two in their suburban home in Phoenix, Arizona. Both sustained minor injuries.
May 8, 2015: Married Glory Johnson
Despite a prior arrest for assault and disorderly conduct, Brittney Griner married Glory Johnson on May 8, 2015, in Phoenix.
May 15, 2015: Suspended by WNBA after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct
On May 15, 2015, the WNBA suspended Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson for seven games each after Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges. Griner was also required to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling.
June 4, 2015: Johnson revealed she was pregnant with twins
On June 4, 2015, Griner and Johnson revealed that Johnson was pregnant with twins, conceived with Johnson's eggs through in vitro fertilization.
October 12, 2015: Johnson gave birth to twins
On October 12, 2015, Glory Johnson gave birth to twin girls 16 weeks premature. Brittney Griner was later ordered to pay child support.
2015: Won championship with UMMC Ekaterinburg
In the 2014–15 and 2015–16 off-seasons, Griner played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg with teammate Diana Taurasi, winning back-to-back championships.
2015: Prolific Defensive Season
In the 2015 season, Brittney Griner had a prolific defensive season, averaging a WNBA record 4.0 blocks per game, surpassing Margo Dydek's record from 1998.
June 2016: Divorce from Glory Johnson was finalized
In June 2016, Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson's divorce was finalized.
August 2016: Re-signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg
In August 2016, Griner re-signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg for the 2016–17 off-season.
2016: Led U.S. to Victory at Rio Olympics
In 2016, Brittney Griner led the U.S. national women's basketball team to victory at the Rio Olympics, securing a gold medal.
2016: Won Olympic gold medal at Summer Olympics
In 2016, Griner played for the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team at the Summer Olympics and earned her first Olympic gold medal as they beat Spain 101–72 in the final.
March 12, 2017: Re-signed with the Mercury
On March 12, 2017, Brittney Griner re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury to a multi-year deal after her rookie contract expired, solidifying her commitment to the team.
June 7, 2017: Scored Career-High 38 Points
On June 7, 2017, Brittney Griner scored a career-high 38 points in a 98–90 overtime win against the Indiana Fever.
2017: Re-signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg
In 2017, Griner re-signed once again with UMMC Ekaterinburg for the 2017–18 off-season.
August 2018: Engaged to Cherelle Watson
In August 2018, Brittney Griner became engaged to Cherelle Watson.
2018: FIBA Women's World Cup Winner
Brittney Griner was a FIBA Women's World Cup winner with Team USA again in 2018, marking her second win in the competition.
2018: Returned to UMMC Ekaterinburg for fifth stint
In 2018, Griner returned to UMMC Ekaterinburg for a fifth stint in the 2018–19 off-season.
June 2019: Married Cherelle Watson
In June 2019, Brittney Griner and Cherelle Watson were married.
August 25, 2019: Scored Season-High 34 Points
On August 25, 2019, Brittney Griner scored a season-high 34 points in a 94–86 loss to the Chicago Sky.
2019: Received Bachelor's Degree in Education
In 2019, Brittney Griner received her bachelor's degree in education, marking the completion of her academic studies.
2019: Interview with People
In a 2019 interview with People, Griner stated she was trying to help the next generation by breaking barriers and trailblazing.
2020: Protested "The Star-Spangled Banner"
In 2020, Brittney Griner protested "The Star-Spangled Banner", stating she would not be on the court while the national anthem was played, though she later changed this decision.
2020: Called for WNBA to stop playing national anthem
In 2020, Griner, along with teammate Brianna Turner, called for the WNBA to stop playing the United States national anthem before games in protest of the killing of Breonna Taylor and as part of the wider George Floyd protests.
2020: Left WNBA Bubble for Personal Reasons
In 2020, after 12 games played, Brittney Griner left the WNBA bubble at IMG Academy for undisclosed personal reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Won Second Olympic Gold Medal
In 2021 (held in Tokyo), Brittney Griner won her second gold medal with the U.S. national team at the Olympics.
2021: Reached WNBA Finals
In 2021, Brittney Griner helped the Phoenix Mercury reach the WNBA finals, where they lost to the Chicago Sky in 4 games, after scoring the most points in the playoffs.
February 17, 2022: Detained and Arrested in Russia
On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner was detained and arrested by Russian customs officials for smuggling charges after cartridges containing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash oil were found in her luggage.
May 2022: U.S. State Department stated Griner was being "wrongfully detained"
In May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being "wrongfully detained" in Russia.
November 2022: Transferred to Russian Penal Colony IK-2
In November 2022, Brittney Griner was transferred to the Russian penal colony IK-2 during her imprisonment, following her sentencing.
December 2022: Released from detention in Russia
In December 2022, Brittney Griner was released from detention in Russia as part of a prisoner swap, leading her to champion the return of others detained in foreign countries.
2022: Arrested in Russia
Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia in 2022, leading to her detainment and subsequent imprisonment.
May 2023: Returned to the WNBA
In May 2023, Brittney Griner made her return to the WNBA after being released from Russia, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
2023: Resumed standing for the national anthem
Beginning with the 2023 season, Griner resumed standing for the national anthem, having come to appreciate the "uniquely American freedoms" after her detention in Russia.
2023: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2023, Brittney Griner was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, highlighting her impact beyond basketball.
2023: Named WNBA All-Star Game starter
In 2023, Griner performed well, and was named a starter in the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game. The Mercury finished in last place with a 9-31 record and she averaged 17.5 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.
February 2024: Baylor University retired Griner's jersey
In February 2024, Baylor University retired Griner's No. 42 jersey in a ceremony preceding a game versus Texas Tech.
June 2024: Named to US Olympic team
In June 2024, Griner was again named to the US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.
July 2024: Birth of son, Bash
In July 2024, Cherelle, Griner's wife, gave birth to a boy, whom they named Bash.
October 2, 2024: Announced to play in Unrivaled league
On October 2, 2024, it was announced that Griner would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart and would play for Phantom.
2024: Won Third Consecutive Olympic Gold Medal
In 2024, Brittney Griner won her third consecutive gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics in France.
February 17, 2025: Cancelled speaking engagement due to threat
On February 17, 2025, Griner cancelled a speaking engagement for a cannabis leadership summit at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center after a threatening message was found near her hotel room. The incident was investigated and linked to a video game reference from a recent convention.
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