From winning multiple laurels as a basketball player to getting arrested in Russia, Brittney Griner just can’t seem to escape the limelight. But behind the sports icon are two heroes the world may never know about. Who are Brittney Griner’s parents?
Here’s everything we know about the duo who have remained a motivation and pillar of support for the celebrated basketball star.
A Star is Born
On October 18, 1990, a couple in Houston, Texas, was expecting the cries of a new baby. When she arrived, they named her Brittney. For Raymond and Sandra Griner, Brittney, who would become their last child, was not just a bundle of joy.
She was a bright star waiting to shine. They had great expectations of her, and in Brittney’s 2008 ESPN profile, her mum reinforced her stance. “She ain’t your ordinary teenage girl,” her mum said about her daughter.
Brittney Griner: A Star on the Rise
True to her parent’s belief, Brittney Griner rose to greatness in 2012, clinching the NCAA championship with colleagues in the Baylor University women’s basketball team. She also won recognition as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
This feat was only the beginning of her accomplished career, as she went on to receive scores of other awards, including two Olympic gold medals and a WNBA Championship.
Darkness in Russia
Brittney Griner’s career enjoyed a smooth ride afterward until tragedy struck in February 2022. On her way to join the Russian women’s basketball team, the UMMC Ekaterinburg, for offseason activities, she was arrested at a Moscow airport by law enforcement.
Brittney was in possession of cannabis oil, a banned substance in Russia. Afterward, Russian authorities tried and sentenced her to nine years in prison.
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Brittney Griner’s Parents Were in Deep Sorrow
The 9 months Brittney Griner spent in Russian captivity were the roughest days of her parents’ lives. After her release through a Biden administration prisoner exchange program, her parents couldn’t hold back tears of joy.
Speaking about the release, Brittney Griner’s father, Raymond, told the press, “This is the most important thing and means the most to me because she’s my baby.”
Brittney Griner’s Parents are People of Faith
Brittney Griner’s parents spoke about how their faith helped them in those dark months. “I had faith she was going to come home,” said Raymond Griner.
“I’m pretty religious; I believe in God. I just prayed a lot and put my faith in the Lord and turned it over to him,” he added. Brittney Griner regained her freedom on December 8, 2022.
Brittney Griner’s Parents Have Four Children
Interestingly, Brittney Griner’s mother and father both hail from Texas. That’s where they met each other and tied the knot. Before they got married, Raymond had two children, DeCarlo and SheKera, a son and daughter, respectively.
Subsequently, Raymond and Sandra produced two more female children, Pier and Brittney Griner. Brittney, who was born in 1990, later admitted that the relationship between the children was cordial but limited due to the age gap.
One of Brittney Griner’s Parents Worked in Law Enforcement
Interestingly, Raymond Griner joined the military during his youthful years. At the age of 18, he was part of the Marines who served the United States in Vietnam. He once told journalists that he spent two years in the Vietnamese jungle.
After his military service, he worked as a security guard and traffic warden. Finally, he served as a sheriff for 35 years in Harris County, Houston.
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Brittney Griner’s Parents are GrandParents
Another amusing fact about Brittney Griner’s mother and father is that they are also grandparents. Interestingly, one of the grandchildren came through Brittney and her wife, Cherelle Griner.
Brittney and her partner welcomed their baby boy, Bash, on July 8, 2024. But the baby will have to wait a few months to see Brittney, who is currently in Paris for the Olympics.
Brittney Griner Is Very Close to Her Mom
Sandra Griner shares a strong bond with her daughter Brittney. They spent lots of time together during Brittney’s younger years. “She taught me how to sew,” Brittney revealed.
“My mom is the one person who has always been there for me, no matter what, loving me without question, just giving and giving,” Brittney said. In 2012, when Sandra was diagnosed with lupus, Brittney forfeited her chance to participate in the Olympics. She preferred instead to be with her mom.
Brittney Griner Shares a Love for Cars With Her Dad
Britney also developed a strong relationship with her father. One thing that brought them close together was their mutual love for cars. They both spent time attending to cars.
Brittney discovered her affinity for automobiles after learning from her dad how to change oil and repair brakes. Later on, Raymond purchased a 2006 Dodge Magnum for her while she was in high school.
Brittney Griner’s Parents are Always Close to Her Mind
Brittney understood how dear her parents were to her during her time in Russia. Brittney pled guilty to attempting to smuggle narcotics into Russia, even though she said it was an accident.
She owed her survival through the ordeal to her parents’ influence. She particularly benefitted from two amazing pieces of advice her parents gave to her: “One, to take ownership of your responsibilities. And two, to work hard for everything that you have,” she revealed.
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