Fansided

Brittney Griner, Glory Johnson suspended 7 games for domestic violence

By Matt Verderame

Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) against the Chicago Sky during game two of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 97-68. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) against the Chicago Sky during game two of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 97-68. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The WNBA took the reigns on a serious problem. On Friday, Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and the Tulsa Shock’s Glory Johnson have each been suspended seven games for their roles in a domestic violence dispute last month, according to the Associated Press. Griner and Johnson are married.

The suspension is the longest in the 19-year history of the WNBA, showing that the league is taking a strong stance against the behavior. Considering the season is only 34 regular-season games, the penalty represents just shy of 20 percent of the campaign. In today’s day and age, the WNBA had no choice but to act with swift judgment. League president Laurel Richie explained the decision.

"“Brittney and Glory’s conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the WNBA and violates applicable law,” Richie said in a statement. “We also understand that people make mistakes, and that education and training are as important as imposing discipline.”"

Griner and Johnson were together but not wed at the time of the incident, which took place on April 22. The pair were arrested at their home and charged with assault. Griner’s charge was dismissed, but she needs to complete 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling. Johnson’s case is still pending. Griner says she has taken much from the experience, an event which will certainly shape her narrative for a bit.

"“I have already learned a tremendous amount from this experience and am committed to improving myself and my marriage going forward,” Griner said in a statement. “I want to thank everyone for their support over these last few weeks. I realize I let down a lot of people who have been champions for me and I will support my teammates and our organization every day until I am back on the court. I am thankful for the opportunity to make positive changes and become a role model for others to do the same.”"

The WNBA dropped the hammer in the wake of many domestic violence cases rocking professional sports, particularly the NFL. The league recently put a structure in place to punish first-time domestic violence offenders six games, more than a third of the regular season. This only came after a massive amount of backlash, following former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice getting an original ban of two games for punching his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, in the face.

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