Tulsa forward Glory Johnson-Griner will miss the WNBA season after announcing Thursday on Instagram that she is pregnant.
Johnson-Griner, who married Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner last month following a highly publicized domestic violence incident between the two, posted a photo on the social networking site showing a bun coming out of a cake shaped like an oven. It carried the caption, "#WelcomeToTheJohnsonGrinerFamily."
The Shock, which opens its season Friday against the Lynx at Target Center, confirmed in a statement that the 24-year-old would miss the season.
"It has always been a dream of mine to start a family with someone I love," Johnson-Griner said in a statement provided by the team. "Being a professional athlete that plays year round, there is never a perfect time to get pregnant without putting my career on hold. The entire process, from learning our fertility options, to making sacrifices necessary nine months before the child is born, is merely preparing me to become a great wife and an even better mother."
The two-time All-Star averaged 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds over the past three seasons for the Shock.
"Right now, I not only have my health to worry about, but also the health of this little one resting inside of me," Johnson-Griner said. "Rest assured I will be back next season, stronger and more ready to play than ever!"
Tulsa president Steve Swetoha wished the couple the best and said the Shock was eager to see Johnson-Griner back in 2016.
Johnson-Griner and Griner were both suspended for seven games by the WNBA after their arrests for a domestic violence incident between them. Johnson-Griner said last week that she is planning to appeal the suspension. She said her lawyer is ready if further action is needed.
