Cherelle Griner was formally known as Cherelle Watson before she married the professional basketball player, Brittney Griner in June 2019. The former mathematics teacher met her wife while they were both attending Baylor University Texas.
Cherelle got her shot to the limelight following the arrest of her partner in Russia. Brittney, who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA and she is known as a seven-time WNBA All-Star and a two-time gold medalist.
Her partner was formerly married to Glory Johnson, her fellow WNBA for barely a month before the marriage was annulled in 2015.
Take a Look at 10 Interesting Facts about Cherelle Griner
1. Cherelle Griner Was Born in Arkansas
32-year-old Griner was born on July 1, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas.The basketballer’s wife attended Baylor University where she majored in Political Science and minored in family and child studies between 2010and 2014. In August 2019, she enrolled in North Carolina Central University School of Law where she is currently in her third year.
2. Cherelle Griner Is a Trained Teacher
Griner has worked as a mathematics teacher in the past. After graduating from the university, she also worked as a teacher at Uplift Education Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. It is unclear if she has stopped teaching now however, she is also focused on inspiring women and children.
3. She Met Her Husband While They Were Both in College
While Griner was still studying Political Science and Government, Brittney was also at Baylor University in Waco pursuing her career in basketball. After dating for a while, the pair got engaged in August 2018.
At the time of their wedding, the media reported that Brittney had found love again following what happened to her a couple of years ago.
4. Her Wife Was Previously Married for Twenty-Eight Days
Brittney Griner had a rather troubling relationship with her fellow WNBA star Glory Johnson in 2014. The former couple met at a basketball camp in 2013 in Las Vegas.
The WNBA former partners married on May 8, 2015, after dating for a while. However, their relationship has been described as complicated seeing that barely a month after they wedded, Griner filed for the annulment of the marriage citing fraud and duress.
The divorce was finalized in June 2016. Prior to the divorce, most of their friends and family thought the union would not hold. Just after the two got engaged, Glory and Brittney were arrested for fighting in their Goodyear home in the presence of the former’s two sisters.
The WNBA players sustained a few injuries but that was not all, they were detained in the same cell and also suspended for seven games by the WNBA. Brittney was also asked to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling.
5. Does She Have Any Child With Her Partner?
At the moment, Cherelle does not have any children yet but she calls herself a dog-mum. She has three dogs that she calls her “babies”. However, her partner shares a set of twins with her ex-wife, Glory.
Johnson,34, and Griner, 34 revealed they were having a baby via IVF some days before the anullment was filed. Due to the pregnancy, Johnson had to miss the 2015 WNBA season.
On October 12 2015, the former couple welcomed their twins prematurely in the 24th week of pregnancy. However, the twins, AvaSimone and Solei Diem reportedly have no biological connection with Cherelle’s partner.
6. She Seems To Be a Fitness Enthusiast
Cherelle Griner is a fitness enthusiast as her Instagram handle gives out. She goes to the gym and works out often. This is evident from how she keeps her body in shape and how fit she looks. In addition to going to the gym to work out, the wife of Phoenix Mercury player also enjoys swimming.
7. Is She As Tall As Brittney Griner?
Cherelle’s partner towers over her with more than just inches. The height difference between the couple is quite obvious. There are speculations that Cherelle Griner stands 5 feet 8 inches tall while Brittney Griner stands 6 feet 9 inches tall.
Read Also: Glory Johnson Is The Ex-Wife Of Brittney Griner- Their Marriage, Divorce, Other Facts
8. Griner’s Partner Publicly Came Out As a Lesbian in 2013
During an interview with SI.com on Febrauary 11, 2013, Brittney shared how she was bullied as a child just because she was different. She decided to reveal her sexuality to the world in other to work with children that are bullied especially in the LGBT community.
9. Cherelle Griner’s Partner Was Arrested in Russian Over Drug possession Allegations
In February 2022, Cherelle’s partner was reportedly arrested Russia after customs officials allegedly found cannabis oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. There are speculations that the two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist might be sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Due to the uprising tension between the US and Russia over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the safety of the player has been questioned.
Cherelle has expressed her worry via Instagram alongside Griner’s high school basketball coach Debbie Jackson. His ex-partner, Glory has equally shown her love and support to Griner via social media.
The former maths teacher has also thanked all those who reached out to her after the news of her partner’s arrest broke.
However, the Russian statenews agency TASS allegedly reported that a court near Moscow has extended the detention of Cherelle’s partner until May 19, 2022.
10. What Is Her Net Worth?
Aside from being a teacher, Griner is reportedly an entrepreneur. Also she is the brand promoter of “Glo Juice Bar”. With that, she might have a modest income but the exact figures has not been revealed yet.
However her partner earns over $1.5 million per season while playing in Russia for the past seven years. While she was playing for a Chinese team in 2014, she made about $600,000 at that time.
Brittney’s net worth is said to be around $5 million. Aside from her salary, she also have an endorsement deal with Nike which might also increase her incoming and earnings.
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