Brittney Griner, Glory Johnson Suspended: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The WNBA suspended Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner for seven games Friday for her role in a domestic dispute last month. Her wife, Tulsa Shock forward Glory Johnson, received the same punishment as a result of the incident.

Continue for updates.

WNBPA Release Statement Regarding Potential Appeal

Friday, May 29

WNBPA Director of Operations Evie Goldstein released a statement addressing whether or not the suspensions will be appealed:

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There has been some speculation, which I wish to put to rest, as to whether the WNBPA plans to appeal the seven game suspensions issued by the WNBA to Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson as the result of a domestic incident that took place at their home in Goodyear, Arizona on April 22, 2015.

There is a significant segment of WNBA players who feel that, while a suspension may have been warranted, a suspension of seven games (20% of the season) is excessive and inappropriate for each player in these circumstances. As the union representing all WNBA players, for whom this suspension, left unchallenged, would have precedential effect, we feel there are sufficient grounds for an appeal challenging the length of these suspensions, including the fact this was a first time incident for both players, the current legal status of this matter, prior precedents in this and other sports leagues, and the significant economic impact suspensions of this length yield in the WNBA. Under the collective bargaining agreement, however, the union cannot appeal without the approval of the player who received the discipline.

We are still in discussions with Glory, Brittney and their representatives to determine how they wish to proceed in light of their own personal situations and the concerns of other WNBA players.

"

Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune provided a statement from WNBA president Laurel Richie, who spoke about the length of the suspension.

"The issue of domestic violence is one that we as a league take very, very seriously," she said. "And the process and investigation was thorough and thoughtful and deliberate. I am completely comfortable with where we ended up and quite firm in where we ended up."

The WNBA announced the decision on May 15, with President Laurel J. Richie saying in a statement the league conducted its own investigation into the matter while also reviewing the police report and talking with a group of experts on domestic violence.

It read: "With consideration of all the facts and circumstances of this matter, we are suspending Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson each without pay for a period of seven regular-season games. Brittney and Glory's conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the WNBA and violates applicable law."

She said the decision was based on facts gathered during the investigation, including details of what occurred in the couple's house April 22, per the statement: 

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Brittney and Glory were involved in a physical altercation with each other at their home. It began when Glory pushed Brittney in the shoulder and Brittney pushed Glory in the back of the neck. The confrontation escalated to include wrestling, punches, and the throwing and swinging of various objects. Brittney received a bite wound on her finger and scratches on her wrist, and Glory received a scratch above her lip and was diagnosed with a concussion.

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Barry Gossage/Getty Images

Griner accepted the suspension, according to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com. She issued the following statement:

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"I understand there are consequences for your actions," she said after the Mercury opened training camp. "I accept those consequences and I'm not going to fight it."

Griner is undergoing counseling after agreeing to a diversion program.

"I'm really getting a lot from it," she said, "so it is definitely making me a better person and I'm taking full advantage of it."

"

Griner reached a plea deal for disorderly conduct six days after the incident. She will spend 26 weeks in counseling for domestic violence. The WNBA statement notes Johnson's case is still pending.   

Shock president Steve Swetoha released a statement on the decision to suspend Johnson:

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We appreciate the league’s due diligence in investigating and making a decision in this matter. As an organization we strongly agree with President Richie’s statement that there is no place for violence in our league, in our communities, or in society. We will continue to care for Glory’s well-being and look forward to her being in camp with our team.

"

Jeff Truesdell of People reported last Friday that the couple was married in a ceremony in the Phoenix area.

The 2015 WNBA season is scheduled to kick off next month. Barring an appeal, Griner and Johnson will both miss the first seven games of their respective teams' campaigns.

Griner is entering her third season in the league. Johnson will be playing her fourth.