Brittney Griner will miss the Phoenix Mercury’s upcoming road trip in order to focus on her mental health, the team announced on Saturday. The All-Star center will be out for at least two games, though the nature of the press release suggests a longer absence could be in store.
“The Mercury fully support Brittney and we will continue to work together on a timeline for her return,” the team stated.
Griner made her return to the WNBA this summer after missing all of last season while detained in Russia on drug charges. She was sentenced to nine years in prison and spent nearly 10 months in Russian custody prior to her release via a prisoner swap in December of 2022.
After such a traumatic experience and a significant time away from the time, it was unclear when or if she would play again. However, she was determined to get back on the court as soon as possible. She signed a one-year deal with the Mercury in free agency and worked extremely hard to be ready for opening night.
She put up 18 points, six rebounds and four blocks that night, and has largely been her usual self ever since. A short absence in June due to a hip injury was the only on-court hiccup, and through 20 games she is…
