WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle recently celebrated the birth of their first child together.
As Griner was preparing to compete in the All-Star Game, the couple welcomed their son, Bash, on July 8, just weeks after marking their sixth wedding anniversary.
In an interview with CBS Sports’ “We Need to Talk,” Griner shared the joy and transformative experience of becoming a parent. “He is amazing,” Griner said. “They say as soon as you see him, everything that you thought mattered just goes out the window, and that’s literally what happens.”
Griner also revealed that she plans for Bash to call her “Pops,” a decision that quickly garnered mixed reactions on social media.
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Despite the varied opinions, Griner’s excitement about her new role as a parent was palpable.
Following the All-Star Game, Griner and the U.S. women’s national basketball team traveled to London for an exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympics. “It kind of sucks because I’ve got to leave, but at the same time, he’ll understand,” the nine-time All-Star said. “My whole phone is turned into him now.”
The past two years have been tumultuous for Griner. In 2022, she was arrested in Russia on drug possession charges shortly before the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Griner admitted to carrying cannabis oils as she re-entered Russia to play for her basketball team. She spent approximately 10 months in jail before being part of a high-profile prisoner swap with convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Despite these challenges, Griner returned to play for the Phoenix Mercury in 2023, participating in 31 games and averaging 17.5 points per game. She earned another All-Star selection and continued to demonstrate her resilience and skill on the court.
Griner’s return to the national team is also noteworthy. She has already secured gold medals in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and aims to add another to her collection in the upcoming Paris Games.
As Brittney Griner balances her professional commitments and new responsibilities as a parent, her story continues to inspire both on and off the court. Her journey is a testament to her strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family.
