Brittney Griner Offered Divorce Option to Wife After Nine-Year Sentence: ‘How Can I Ask Her to Wait?’

In her heartfelt new memoir, “Coming Home,” Brittney Griner shares the emotional turmoil she endured during her nine-year sentence in a Russian labor camp, including the strain it placed on her marriage. The memoir reveals how Griner, supported by her wife Cherelle, a lawyer, grappled with fears that the separation might lead to divorce.

Published with an exclusive excerpt by People, the book details Griner’s inner conflict as she faced a bleak future without basketball, contemplating a life drastically different from what she and Cherelle had planned. “My basketball career would be over. I’d be in my early forties and out of shape, needing to find a new way to provide for my wife. And Relle…she assured me she’d wait, but ten years was ridiculous,” Griner writes, candidly expressing her vulnerability during this challenging time. “I went through so many emotions being locked up, just thinking about the nine years. We planned on having kids and doing all these amazing things together. Now, I’m thinking, ‘Is that going to happen? How can I ask her to wait?'”

Today’s the day!! My memoir, COMING HOME, is finally here! I’m honored to share my story with the world. A huge thank you to everyone who pre-ordered books! It’s now available everywhere books are sold—online, in bookstores, and on audiobook! Grab your copy now! pic.twitter.com/26Jl0shJrR

— Brittney Griner (@brittneygriner) May 8, 2024

The emotional weight of the situation led Griner to offer Cherelle a way out of their marriage following her guilty verdict. “I gave her an out,” Griner recalls, “But she was basically like, ‘What? Stop it. Don’t you ever say that.’” This moment of fear and doubt, Griner explains, was a reaction to the harsh realities of prison life, where seeing others receive breakup letters had a profound impact on her.

Despite the challenges, Cherelle remained steadfast, actively campaigning for Griner’s release. Her efforts, coupled with those of President Joe Biden, culminated in Griner’s return home in 2022 following a high-profile prison swap. This story of resilience and unwavering partnership highlights not just Griner’s personal struggles but also the powerful bond between her and Cherelle, tested under the most extreme circumstances.

You: is it on AUDIOBOOK??

Nobody:

Me: COMING HOME is now available as an audiobook, read by me and narrator Andia Winslow!🎧

Check out this behind-the-scenes footage from when I recorded my portion of the audiobook 🎙️ with @PRHAudio and learn more about COMING HOME. pic.twitter.com/vqpDCbIjBZ

— Brittney Griner (@brittneygriner) May 8, 2024