Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has reportedly pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and will enter a 26-week domestic violence counseling program following her arrest on April 22 in Goodyear, Arizona. The WNBA announced that it suspended Griner for the first seven games of the season as a result. 

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Griner Suspended 7 Games

Friday, May 15

The WNBA announced that it would suspend Griner and her partner, Glory Johnson of the Tulsa Shock, for the first seven games of the upcoming season as a result of her arrest:

With consideration of all the facts and circumstances of this matter, we are suspending Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson each without pay for a period of seven regular-season games. Brittney and Glory’s conduct is detrimental to the best interests of the WNBA and violates applicable law. We also understand that people make mistakes, and that education and training are as important as imposing discipline. Accordingly, each player will be required to attend individual counseling sessions with a counselor satisfactory to the WNBA. If either player fails to comply with this condition or any of the conditions imposed by the court, we reserve the right to revisit this matter. 

Griner Reaches Plea Deal

Tuesday, April 28 

TMZ.com reported the news of the plea deal on April 28, adding that the assault and disorderly conduct charges against Griner will be dropped as long as she completes the counseling program.

The report also included comments from Griner's attorney, David Michael Cantor, who described the steps Griner is taking to address her unfortunate legal situation:

The day after her arrest, prior to the Court's requirements being imposed, Brittney voluntarily began counseling and will continue to attend in addition to the required court's counseling.

[...]

Brittney wishes everyone to know, "It is never okay for an argument to turn physical. This will never happen again, and I take my relationship and my responsibility as a role model seriously. I am committed to making positive changes and I plan to use what I have learned to set a good example and help make a difference in the world around me."

Griner, 24, was a phenom in college at Baylor, guiding her team to the 2012 NCAA title.

Since joining the Mercury in 2013, she has led the WNBA in blocks in each of her first two seasons and has been a key contributor to Phoenix's turnaround, culminating in a championship in 2014.

June 5 marks the Mercury's season opener, so there is still time for Griner to address issues in her personal life before returning to the hardwood for significant games.