Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner is no stranger to controversies. Prior to her arrest in Russia earlier this year, she has been the center of many controversies. For instance, her stance on the National Anthem garnered a lot of hate towards the Phoenix Mercury star. Moreover, her sexuality has also been highly debated and scrutinized worldwide. However, this has never stifled Griner’s pride toward her sexual orientation. When she made her much anticipated debut in the WNBA all the way back in 2013, Brittney made it known to the world that she wasn’t going to hide her sexuality. She followed the footsteps of many other famous female athletes who had come out openly. Soccer star Megan Rapinoe and tennis legend Martina Navratilova most famously revealed their sexuality publicly. While Rapinoe came out in 2012, Martina came out all the way back in 1981. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Brittany-Griner.jpg] Much like her predecessors, Griner faced a lot of backlash after her bold move. After finishing her time at Baylor University, Griner made her highly anticipated debut in the WNBA. She came out publicly in 2013 and received both hate and support from around the world. When asked whether it was a tough decision to take, considering her stature, Griner had a straightforward answer. READ MORE: 5x NBA Champion Broke Silence on Michael Jordan Saying He Wouldn’t Live Past 40 Only Due to His Drinking Problem: “I Got in a Helicopter, Jumped Out of a Helicopter” [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-basketball-news-5x-nba-champion-broke-silence-on-michael-jordan-saying-he-wouldnt-live-past-40-only-due-to-his-drinking-problem-i-got-in-a-helicopter-jumped-out-of-a-helicopter/] “It really wasn’t too difficult. I wouldn’t say I was hiding or anything like that. I’ve always been open about who I am and my sexuality“, said [https://www.espn.in/wnba/story/_/id/9185633/brittney-griner-comes-says-just-are] the former All-Star. BRITTNEY GRINER FOLLOWED THE FOOTSTEPS OF RAPINOE AND NAVRATILOVA Megan Rapinoe is widely considered one of the greatest soccer stars to play for the United States of America. While she prepared to represent her country in the 2012 London Olympics, she made one of the most important decisions in her life. Rapinoe came out and revealed publicly that she was dating someone. During an interview, Megan said [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/megan-rapinoe-comes-out-olympic-soccer-player_n_1646700], “For the record: I am gay.“ On the other hand, tennis legend Martina Navratilova came out [https://www.outsports.com/2011/10/3/4051944/moment-2-martina-navratilova-comes-out] in front of millions while she was just 18. This happened all the way back in 1981, and she was one of the biggest names in sports during that time. This is widely regarded as one of the most iconic moments in tennis and beyond. WATCH THIS STORY: How has Stephen Curry Progressed On NBA 2K over the years? 2k23 Rating & More [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/nba-basketball-news-how-has-stephen-curry-progressed-on-nba-2k-over-the-years-2k23-rating-more/] What are your thoughts regarding the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below. 

Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner made headlines worldwide when she came
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<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Brittney Griner 2023: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, and More</strong></h2>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023</b></h2>
Brittney Griner is a WNBA center who has played for the Phoenix Mercury for 10 seasons. Griner was the Number 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft after playing four years of college basketball with the Baylor Lady Bears.

<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner holds an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has accumulated this net worth through basketball, deals and endorsements. With the Phoenix Mercury, she has earned approximately $227,000 annually in salary. Since 2013, Griner has amassed a total of over $1.5 million in WNBA earnings during her illustrious ten-year tenure in the league.</span>

[caption id="attachment_1757708" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1757708 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-05-20T022710Z_472112911_MT1USATODAY20705955_RTRMADP_3_WNBA-PHOENIX-MERCURY-AT-LOS-ANGELES-SPARKS.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner" width="1920" height="1411" /> May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

<span style="font-weight: 400">The 2014 WNBA champion inked a one-year deal worth $165,100 with the Mercury during the 2022-23 offseason. As Griner faced detainment in Russia, the WNBA made a noteworthy decision where she received her complete 2022 salary, which amounted to almost $228,000.</span>

In 2012, Griner received the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. In 2012, the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Griner is one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and a WNBA championship.
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's</b><span style="font-weight: 400"> </span><b>Early Life </b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner exhibited her basketball prowess from an early age. She commenced her basketball journey when she was only nine years old, showcasing a natural talent for the sport that would become her passion. Although her family moved around, living in various states, including Oklahoma and Arizona, they ultimately returned to their Texas roots, where she attended Houston's Nimitz High School.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">In her sophomore year, Griner defied expectations by practicing with the boys' basketball team and simultaneously collaborating with a Nimitz football coach to develop her leg strength for dunking. Her remarkable dunks, highlighted in a viral YouTube video during her junior season, captured the attention of basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal, who expressed interest in meeting her.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">Following a successful tenure on her high school's varsity basketball team, Brittney Griner garnered widespread recognition from college scouts nationwide. As a result, she received a coveted scholarship offer to join Baylor University's basketball program.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's family and personal life</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas. Raised alongside three older siblings (Decarlo Griner, Shkera Griner, and Pier Griner) by parents Sandra and Raymond Griner, her father's role as a two-tour Vietnam War veteran and Harris County deputy sheriff instilled principles of discipline and dedication in her.</span>

Griner <a href="https://www.espn.in/wnba/story/_/id/9185633/brittney-griner-comes-says-just-are" target="_blank" rel="noopener">came out</a> as a lesbian in an interview in February 2013. She has been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community and her coming out paved the way for many future athletes to do the same. She signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2013 becoming the first openly gay athlete to be endorsed by the apparel giant. During her first marriage with former Tulsa Shock player Glory Johnson, the couple had two twins, Ava and Solei. Griner and Johnson got divorced in June 2016.

<span style="font-weight: 400">Brittney is currently married to Cherelle Griner. Reportedly, the couple got married in 2019. Cherelle is a former teacher who graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. She passed the bar in April 2023.</span>
<h2 style="text-align: left">Brittney Griner's WNBA career</h2>
In the 2013 WNBA draft, the Phoenix Mercury selected Griner as the first overall pick. Griner would flourish in her rookie season, being named a WNBA all-star. In her debut, Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record with two dunks in the same game. The following season, she became the first WNBA player to dunk in a Playoff game. The Phoenix Mercury set the record for most wins in a season as they finished with a record of 29-5. Behind the big 3 of Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Candice Dupree, the Mercury won their third championship in franchise history.

[caption id="attachment_1151204" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1151204 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/rawImage-12-15.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner and Brianna Turner" width="1920" height="1440" /> LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 30: Brittney Griner #42 and Brianna Turner #21 of the Phoenix Mercury talk on the bench in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 30, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)[/caption]

Griner would go on to set various records over the next few years, especially on the defensive end. However, the Mercury always came up short in the Playoffs. She is an eight-time Blocks leader and two-time scoring champion. On top of that, she has made the All-Star team nine times in her glittering career.

During the WNBA offseason, Griner played overseas. After playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China for 1 year, Griner signed with <span class="rt-commentedText tooltip tooltip-dotted" title="Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company">UMMC</span> Ekaterinburg in Russia. She won back-to-back championships there along with teammate Diana Taurasi. Following her detention in Russia, she announced she would never play overseas again unless for Team USA.
<h2><b>Brittney Griner's career timeline</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">The 19-year-old Griner led Nimitz High School to the Texas 5A girls' basketball state championship game in 2009, though they fell short. Griner, standing at 6-foot-7, made an astonishing 52 dunks during her senior year, including seven in a single game against Aldine High School.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">During her freshman year at Baylor, Griner set an NCAA single-season record with 223 blocks and became just the seventh women's basketball player to dunk in college.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">In the NCAA title game, Griner contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks as Baylor triumphed over Notre Dame 80-61. Her stellar performance earned her Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400">On April 15, 2003, Griner became the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. During the 2016 Olympics, </span><span style="font-weight: 400">Griner played a vital role in securing the U.S.'s sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Rio Games.</span><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1426443 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/220307080329-01-brittney-griner-file.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1280" />

<span style="font-weight: 400">Furthermore, she also played a significant part in the U.S. winning its seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, leading the U.S. with an average of 16.5 points. On September 12, 2023, she was honored with the AP Co Comeback Player of the Year Award.</span>
<h2 style="text-align: left">Major achievements</h2>
<p style="text-align: left">WNBA champion (2014)
9× WNBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021, 2022)
2× WNBA scoring champion (2017, 2019)
8× WNBA blocks leader (2013–2019, 2021)
2× WNBA Peak Performer (2017, 2019)
3× All-WNBA First Team (2014, 2019, 2021)
3× All-WNBA Second Team (2015, 2017, 2018)
2x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (2014, 2015)
3× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2015, 2018)
4× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021)
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013)
WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
3× Russian National League champion (2015–2017)
4× EuroLeague champion (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021)
Russian Cup winner (2017)
NCAA champion (2012)
NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012)
AP Player of the Year (2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: left">AP Co Comeback Player of the Year (2023)</p>

<h2 style="text-align: left">Brittney Griner's stats</h2>
Griner <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/g/grinebr01w.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">averaged</a> 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 31 regular season games during the 2023 season. She won the 2014 WNBA Championship by putting up 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks.

Moreover, the 9x WNBA All-Star has so far played 285 WNBA games in her 10-year-long career, averaging <span style="font-weight: 400">17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.5 steals in 254 WNBA games.</span>
<h2>Brittney Griner's Russia arrest</h2>
On February 17, 2022, Griner was arrested on drug charges in Russia. In early May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being "wrongfully detained", indicating a more aggressive approach toward securing her release.

On May 15, it was reported that the United States and Russia would consider a prisoner swap, with Russia exchanging Griner for international illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had served 10 years of a 25-year federal prison sentence in the United States.

[caption id="attachment_1128491" align="aligncenter" width="612"]<img class="wp-image-1128491 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-1241566619-612x612-1.jpg" alt="Brittney Griner" width="612" height="408" /> US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. - Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)[/caption]

On the second day of her trial, July 7, Griner pled guilty and then said, "<em>But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law.</em>" Griner requested that she be allowed to give testimony to the court as soon as she has had sufficient time to prepare.

On August 4, the court found Griner guilty and sentenced her to nine years in prison. They additionally fined her 1 million rubles (US$16,301).

<span style="font-weight: 400">However, Griner regained her freedom in a high-level prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States, secured in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s endorsements</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">The 6’9” Center’s earnings have seen substantial boosts thanks to endorsement deals with renowned brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Boost Mobile.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s contracts and bonuses</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Prior to her 10th WNBA season, Griner was a free agent and ultimately signed a 1-year $165,100 contract with the Mercury. Following the failure to qualify for the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, Griner once again became a free agent. Her intentions are to re-sign and stay in Phoenix for the foreseeable future. </span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s car collection</b></h2>
<span style="font-weight: 400">Griner is very fond of luxury cars. As of 2023, she has a $35,000 Jeep Wrangler, a $140,000 Range Rover Autobiography, and an Audi E-Tron which starts at $74,800.</span>
<h2><b>Brittney Griner’s s</b><b>ocial media accounts</b></h2>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400"><span style="font-weight: 400">Active on social media</span></li>
</ul>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brittneyyevettegriner/?hl=en"><b>@brittneyyevettegriner</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Twitter</span></td>
<td><a href="https://twitter.com/brittneygriner?lang=en"><b>@brittneygriner</b></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Facebook</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrittneyGriner/">Brittney Griner</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td>Brittney Yyvette Griner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Popular Name</span></td>
<td>Brittney</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Date</span></td>
<td>October 18, 1990</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td>Houston, Texas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td>6'9" (2.06 m)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td>205 lbs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Sandra and Raymond Griner</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Decarlo, Shkera, and Pier</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td>American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td>African American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td>$5 Million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Salary</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$227,000</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400"> Cherelle Griner</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td>Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Gender</span></td>
<td>Female</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td>Ava and Solei</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td>Basketball Player</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner 2023: Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements, and More Brittney Griner Net Worth 2023 Brittney Griner is a WNBA center who has played for the Phoenix Mercury for 10 seasons. Griner was the Number 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft after playing four years of college basketball with the Baylor Lady Bears. Griner holds an estimated net worth of $5 million. She has accumulated this net worth through basketball, deals and endorsements. With the Phoenix Mercury, she has earned approximately $227,000 annually in salary. Since 2013, Griner has amassed a total of over $1.5 million in WNBA earnings during her illustrious ten-year tenure in the league. May 19, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports The 2014 WNBA champion inked a one-year deal worth $165,100 with the Mercury during the 2022-23 offseason. As Griner faced detainment in Russia, the WNBA made a noteworthy decision where she received her complete 2022 salary, which amounted to almost $228,000. In 2012, Griner received the Best Female Athlete ESPY Award. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. In 2012, the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Griner is one of 11 women to receive an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and a WNBA championship. Brittney Griner&#8217;s Early Life  Griner exhibited her basketball prowess from an early age. She commenced her basketball journey when she was only nine years old, showcasing a natural talent for the sport that would become her passion. Although her family moved around, living in various states, including Oklahoma and Arizona, they ultimately returned to their Texas roots, where she attended Houston&#8217;s Nimitz High School. In her sophomore year, Griner defied expectations by practicing with the boys&#8217; basketball team and simultaneously collaborating with a Nimitz football coach to develop her leg strength for dunking. Her remarkable dunks, highlighted in a viral YouTube video during her junior season, captured the attention of basketball icon Shaquille O&#8217;Neal, who expressed interest in meeting her. Following a successful tenure on her high school&#8217;s varsity basketball team, Brittney Griner garnered widespread recognition from college scouts nationwide. As a result, she received a coveted scholarship offer to join Baylor University&#8217;s basketball program. Brittney Griner&#8217;s family and personal life Griner was born on October 18, 1990, in Houston, Texas. Raised alongside three older siblings (Decarlo Griner, Shkera Griner, and Pier Griner) by parents Sandra and Raymond Griner, her father&#8217;s role as a two-tour Vietnam War veteran and Harris County deputy sheriff instilled principles of discipline and dedication in her. Griner came out as a lesbian in an interview in February 2013. She has been a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community and her coming out paved the way for many future athletes to do the same. She signed an endorsement deal with Nike in 2013 becoming the first openly gay athlete to be endorsed by the apparel giant. During her first marriage with former Tulsa Shock player Glory Johnson, the couple had two twins, Ava and Solei. Griner and Johnson got divorced in June 2016. Brittney is currently married to Cherelle Griner. Reportedly, the couple got married in 2019. Cherelle is a former teacher who graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. She passed the bar in April 2023. Brittney Griner&#8217;s WNBA career In the 2013 WNBA draft, the Phoenix Mercury selected Griner as the first overall pick. Griner would flourish in her rookie season, being named a WNBA all-star. In her debut, Griner equaled the WNBA dunk record with two dunks in the same game. The following season, she became the first WNBA player to dunk in a Playoff game. The Phoenix Mercury set the record for most wins in a season as they finished with a record of 29-5. Behind the big 3 of Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Candice Dupree, the Mercury won their third championship in franchise history. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA &#8211; SEPTEMBER 30: Brittney Griner #42 and Brianna Turner #21 of the Phoenix Mercury talk on the bench in the fourth quarter of Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on September 30, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Griner would go on to set various records over the next few years, especially on the defensive end. However, the Mercury always came up short in the Playoffs. She is an eight-time Blocks leader and two-time scoring champion. On top of that, she has made the All-Star team nine times in her glittering career. During the WNBA offseason, Griner played overseas. After playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in China for 1 year, Griner signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia. She won back-to-back championships there along with teammate Diana Taurasi. Following her detention in Russia, she announced she would never play overseas again unless for Team USA. Brittney Griner&#8217;s career timeline The 19-year-old Griner led Nimitz High School to the Texas 5A girls&#8217; basketball state championship game in 2009, though they fell short. Griner, standing at 6-foot-7, made an astonishing 52 dunks during her senior year, including seven in a single game against Aldine High School. During her freshman year at Baylor, Griner set an NCAA single-season record with 223 blocks and became just the seventh women&#8217;s basketball player to dunk in college. In the NCAA title game, Griner contributed 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks as Baylor triumphed over Notre Dame 80-61. Her stellar performance earned her Most Outstanding Player honors in the Final Four. On April 15, 2003, Griner became the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, chosen by the Phoenix Mercury. During the 2016 Olympics, Griner played a vital role in securing the U.S.&#8217;s sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Rio Games. Furthermore, she also played a significant part in the U.S. winning its seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games, leading the U.S. with an average of 16.5 points. On September 12, 2023, she was honored with the AP Co Comeback Player of the Year Award. Major achievements WNBA champion (2014) 9× WNBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021, 2022) 2× WNBA scoring champion (2017, 2019) 8× WNBA blocks leader (2013–2019, 2021) 2× WNBA Peak Performer (2017, 2019) 3× All-WNBA First Team (2014, 2019, 2021) 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2015, 2017, 2018) 2x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (2014, 2015) 3× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2015, 2018) 4× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021) WNBA All-Rookie Team (2013) WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021) 3× Russian National League champion (2015–2017) 4× EuroLeague champion (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021) Russian Cup winner (2017) NCAA champion (2012) NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012) AP Player of the Year (2012) AP Co Comeback Player of the Year (2023) Brittney Griner&#8217;s stats Griner averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 31 regular season games during the 2023 season. She won the 2014 WNBA Championship by putting up 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks. Moreover, the 9x WNBA All-Star has so far played 285 WNBA games in her 10-year-long career, averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.5 steals in 254 WNBA games. Brittney Griner&#8217;s Russia arrest On February 17, 2022, Griner was arrested on drug charges in Russia. In early May 2022, the U.S. State Department stated that they had determined Griner was being &#8220;wrongfully detained&#8221;, indicating a more aggressive approach toward securing her release. On May 15, it was reported that the United States and Russia would consider a prisoner swap, with Russia exchanging Griner for international illegal arms dealer Viktor Bout, who had served 10 years of a 25-year federal prison sentence in the United States. US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. &#8211; Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) On the second day of her trial, July 7, Griner pled guilty and then said, &#8220;But there was no intent. I didn&#8217;t want to break the law.&#8221; Griner requested that she be allowed to give testimony to the court as soon as she has had sufficient time to prepare. On August 4, the court found Griner guilty and sentenced her to nine years in prison. They additionally fined her 1 million rubles (US$16,301). However, Griner regained her freedom in a high-level prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States, secured in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8, 2022. Brittney Griner’s endorsements The 6’9” Center’s earnings have seen substantial boosts thanks to endorsement deals with renowned brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Boost Mobile. Brittney Griner’s contracts and bonuses Prior to her 10th WNBA season, Griner was a free agent and ultimately signed a 1-year $165,100 contract with the Mercury. Following the failure to qualify for the 2023 WNBA Playoffs, Griner once again became a free agent. Her intentions are to re-sign and stay in Phoenix for the foreseeable future. Brittney Griner’s car collection Griner is very fond of luxury cars. As of 2023, she has a $35,000 Jeep Wrangler, a $140,000 Range Rover Autobiography, and an Audi E-Tron which starts at $74,800. Brittney Griner’s social media accounts Active on social media   Instagram @brittneyyevettegriner  Twitter @brittneygriner  Facebook Brittney Griner    Full Name Brittney Yyvette Griner  Popular Name Brittney  Birth Date October 18, 1990  Birth Place Houston, Texas  Age 33  Height 6&#8217;9&#8243; (2.06 m)  Weight 205 lbs  Parents Sandra and Raymond Griner  Siblings Decarlo, Shkera, and Pier  Nationality American  Ethnicity African American  Net Worth $5 Million  Salary $227,000  Spouse  Cherelle Griner  Relationship/Marital Status Married  Gender Female  Children Ava and Solei  Profession Basketball Player

Brittney Griner Archives

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<h3>Martina Navratilova 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements</h3>
Arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Martina Navratilova was born in born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (Now the Czech Republic).

During the early 70s, Navratilova was the no.1 player in her country. However, she fled her country in 1975 and traveled to America under controversial circumstances, which cost her the citizenship of Czechoslovakia. After coming to the United States, she received American citizenship in 1981.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-16828" src="https://www.staging.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Martina-Navratilova.jpg" alt="" width="615" height="409" />

Later, Navratilova reclaimed her Czech Citizenship back in 2008 after her retirement.
<h3>On-Court Achievements</h3>
Although Navratilova started playing at the age of 15, she did not turn professional until 1975. Since then, she has been one of the top women's players on the tour.

Navratilova won her first Grand Slam title in the doubles tournament at the French Open in 1975 with American legend Chris Evert.

Overall in her career, Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles titles. In terms of numbers on the tour, no one can match the former Czech American player's record.

Throughout her career, she won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, the most in the history of tennis. Moreover, she won a record number of 2189 matches on the tour with a percentage of <a href="https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/martina-navratilova" target="_blank" rel="noopener">85.89</a>.

<strong>Read More: <a class="jsx-555d36b3e6439572 article-embed-title" href="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wta-tennis-news-a-sad-sad-woman-martina-navratilova-wastes-no-time-to-slam-a-user-who-ridiculed-serena-williams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">‘A Sad, Sad Woman’ – Martina Navratilova Wastes No Time to Slam a User Who Ridiculed Serena Williams</a></strong>

In 1978, Navratilova became no.1 for the first time in her career and in the same year, she won her first Grand Slam singles title by defeating Chris Evert in the Wimbledon Finals.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1027346" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Chris-Evert-Martina-Navratilova.jpg" alt="" width="759" height="427" />

Notably, Navratilova and Evert had one of the greatest rivalries in tennis as they faced 80 times against each other. In terms of head-to-head record, Navratilova 43-37 record against the American.
<h3>Retirement</h3>
In 1994, Navratilova took a break from tennis, as she decided to retire from the singles competition. However, she continued to play in the doubles tournament.

In 2006, she finally retired from professional tennis. Before retiring, she won the US Open mixed doubles title almost at the age of 50. Thus, she became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title.

[caption id="attachment_1147389" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1147389" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1054578434.jpg" alt="Martina Navratilova" width="1920" height="1280" /> SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 28: WTA legend Martina Navratilova during the Women's Doubles prize ceremonyo n day 8 of the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images)[/caption]

After retiring from professional tennis, she became a tennis commentator.
<h3>Personal Life</h3>
In 1981, Navratilova <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-tennis/martina-navratilova-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opened up</a> about her sexuality as she became one of the very first gay athletes in sports history.

In 2014, Navratilova married former Russian model Julia Lemigova and since then the couple is spending their life happily.
<h3>Martina Navratilova: Net Worth 2022</h3>
Navratilova earned around $20 million from all the tournaments she played in. And from endorsements, she earned millions of dollars.

She has an estimated Net Worth of <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/richest-tennis/martina-navratilova-net-worth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$25</a> million.
<h3>Martina Navratilova's endorsements 2022</h3>
Among Navratilova's sponsors, Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes are the most popular ones.
<h3>How to contact Martina Navratilova?</h3>
<a href="https://twitter.com/Martina?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/martinanavratilova/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">65</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Wife</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Julia Lemigova</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">America, Czech Republic</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">5 ft 8 inches (173 cm)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">$25 million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Endorsements</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Martina Navratilova

Martina Navratilova 2022: Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements Arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Martina Navratilova was born in born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (Now the Czech Republic). During the early 70s, Navratilova was the no.1 player in her country. However, she fled her country in 1975 and traveled to America under controversial circumstances, which cost her the citizenship of Czechoslovakia. After coming to the United States, she received American citizenship in 1981. Later, Navratilova reclaimed her Czech Citizenship back in 2008 after her retirement. On-Court Achievements Although Navratilova started playing at the age of 15, she did not turn professional until 1975. Since then, she has been one of the top women&#8217;s players on the tour. Navratilova won her first Grand Slam title in the doubles tournament at the French Open in 1975 with American legend Chris Evert. Overall in her career, Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, along with 31 doubles and 10 mixed doubles titles. In terms of numbers on the tour, no one can match the former Czech American player&#8217;s record. Throughout her career, she won 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles, the most in the history of tennis. Moreover, she won a record number of 2189 matches on the tour with a percentage of 85.89. Read More: ‘A Sad, Sad Woman’ – Martina Navratilova Wastes No Time to Slam a User Who Ridiculed Serena Williams In 1978, Navratilova became no.1 for the first time in her career and in the same year, she won her first Grand Slam singles title by defeating Chris Evert in the Wimbledon Finals. Notably, Navratilova and Evert had one of the greatest rivalries in tennis as they faced 80 times against each other. In terms of head-to-head record, Navratilova 43-37 record against the American. Retirement In 1994, Navratilova took a break from tennis, as she decided to retire from the singles competition. However, she continued to play in the doubles tournament. In 2006, she finally retired from professional tennis. Before retiring, she won the US Open mixed doubles title almost at the age of 50. Thus, she became the oldest player to win a Grand Slam title. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE &#8211; OCTOBER 28: WTA legend Martina Navratilova during the Women&#8217;s Doubles prize ceremonyo n day 8 of the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Singapore. (Photo by Lionel Ng/Getty Images) After retiring from professional tennis, she became a tennis commentator. Personal Life In 1981, Navratilova opened up about her sexuality as she became one of the very first gay athletes in sports history. In 2014, Navratilova married former Russian model Julia Lemigova and since then the couple is spending their life happily. Martina Navratilova: Net Worth 2022 Navratilova earned around $20 million from all the tournaments she played in. And from endorsements, she earned millions of dollars. She has an estimated Net Worth of $25 million. Martina Navratilova&#8217;s endorsements 2022 Among Navratilova&#8217;s sponsors, Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes are the most popular ones. How to contact Martina Navratilova? Twitter Instagram  Age 65  Wife Julia Lemigova  Nationality America, Czech Republic  Height 5 ft 8 inches (173 cm)  Net Worth $25 million  Endorsements Thorlo athletic socks, Denon sound systems, Yonex rackets, and Avia sports shoes

Martina Navratilova Archives

Martina Navratilova Archives - EssentiallySports

Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe- Net Worth 2023, Personal Life, and Career USWNT forward Megan Rapinoe is a superstar in women&#8217;s soccer. She has been instrumental in the national team&#8217;s success for years. Her performances during the 2019 World Cup will live in everyone&#8217;s memory; likewise, won the Best FIFA Women&#8217;s Player Of The Year. Megan Rapinoe’s Net Worth Megan Rapinoe’s net worth is estimated to be about $5 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. Over the years, the USWNT soccer star has established one of the finest legacies in women’s soccer history. She is one of the true pioneers, along with Alex Morgan, to help develop the women’s counterpart of the game in the US. Jul 5, 2021; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; USA forward Megan Rapinoe (15) reacts to the crowd during the send-off celebration after defeating Mexico during a USWNT Send-off Series soccer match at Pratt &amp; Whitney Stadium. USA defeated Mexico 4-0. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Megan Rapinoe ranks 19th on Forbes’ highest-paid women athletes in the world as of 2022. The USWNT star made about $5.7 million in 2022. As per Marca, Rapinoe cashes out about $250,000 as her base salary per season. Megan Rapinoe’s family and early career Megan Rapinoe was born in Redding, California, to Jim and Denise Rapinoe. Her parents raised her along with her five other siblings. Rapinoe has an identical twin. The USWNT star and her twin sister also have another brother and sister, Michael and Jenny, who came from Denise’s older marriage. Soccer: Women s Friendly-USA vs Ireland May 10, 2015 San Jose, CA, USA USA midfielder Megan Rapinoe 15, right kisses her mother Denise Rapinoe left before the match against Ireland at Avaya Stadium. San Jose Avaya Stadium CA USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 8559759 Jim Rapinoe currently works as a building contractor after his service in the US Army. Rapinoe has often credited the success she has achieved to Denise, her mother. Rapinoe played for Elk Grove Pride club, a soccer team in Sacramento. She also developed a keen interest in basketball during her freshman and sophomore years. She played for the U-14 National California State Olympic Development Program in 1999, followed by the regional ODP in 2002. In 2004, she got an opportunity to play for the McDonald’s All-American Girls High School Soccer West Team. The USWNT star grew up initially watching her brother play soccer. Inspired by him, Rapinoe started playing soccer too. However, Brian Rapinoe became a severe drug addict and couldn’t continue playing soccer. Megan and her twin sister, Rachael Rapinoe, continued to focus on their soccer career. The sport was also a way for the Rapinoe twin sisters to get away from the drug abuse in rural California. Megan Rapinoe’s twin sister Rachael Rapinoe is Megan’s identical twin sister. They grew up in a rural, religious area in California. The relationship between them grew after both of them realized that they were gay. They didn’t discover their sexuality right until they went to university. Rachael Rapinoe once revealed that her twin sister was the one who outed her to her parents. Mandatory Credit: Photo by BPI/Shutterstock 10329049go Rachael Rapinoe, sister of Megan Rapinoe of USA smiles after Team USA wins the Women s World Cup USA v Netherlands, FIFA Women s World Cup Final, Football, Stade de Lyon, France &#8211; 07 Jul 2019 USA v Netherlands, FIFA Women s World Cup Final, Football, Stade de Lyon, France &#8211; 07 Jul 2019 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xBPI/Shutterstockx 10329049go Rachael played soccer along with her twin sister at the University of Portland. Rachael was also named in the U-23 American women’s national team back in 2006. She then signed a deal with Stjarnan Women, a women’s soccer club in Iceland. However, she had to forcefully retire from the sport in 2012 after she tore her knee ligament again. After her career-ending injury, Rachael decided to put her knowledge of the game to good use. She pursued her Master’s in Health Studies and Exercise from Portland State University and graduated in 2016. Rachael was part of a joint venture called Rapinoe SC with her twin sister. During that time, Rachael used to host clinics for young soccer players in the country. However, the soccer twins shut down the business venture in 2020. Rachael then co-founded ‘Mendi’, a CBD products company that helps sports persons constantly maintain their strength and health. Megan Rapinoe’s club career Rapinoe played in the WPS from 2009 to 2011. The USWNT star started off her journey with Chicago Red Stars, who made her the second overall pick in the 2009 WPS draft. Rapinoe was named to the league’s all-star team in her first season. She moved to Philadelphia Independence in 2010 after Chicago Stars ceased its operations. After a successful two-year stint, the WPS suspended operations, leaving Rapinoe and hundreds of other players as free agents. In 2011, Rapinoe joined Sydney FC as a guest player. In 2012, Rapinoe followed a few of her national teammates to play with Seattle Sounders Women. She used to play for the club in between camps while they prepared for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Rapinoe signed a six-month deal with Olympique Lyonnais in 2013. She managed to score two goals in six games as a left winger. In that same season, Rapinoe became only the fifth American woman in soccer history to play in a UEFA Champions League final. She ended her season with two goals and one assist in the Champions League. Bildnummer: 13379919 Datum: 13.04.2013 Copyright: imago/PanoramiCMorgane Rapinoe (lyon) FOOTBALL : Lyon vs Juvisy &#8211; Ligue des champions feminine &#8211; 13/04/2013 FredericChambert/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL ; Fussball Frauenfussball Damen Champions League FCF Olympique 2012 xas x0x 2013 quer Rapinoe had a fine start to the 2013-14 season, scoring three goals in eight league games. OL’s stint didn’t last very long in the Champions League after they were knocked out in the Round of 16. OL then announced that Rapinoe would return to Seattle Reign FC for the latter half of the 2013 season. Her tenure in France saw her score 8 goals in 28 matches. Megan Rapinoe has happily settled in Seattle Reign FC (now called OL Reign). The USWNT star had an instant impact in her first season. Despite playing only half a season, Rapinoe was the club’s leading goal scorer with five goals. In the 2013-14 season, Rapinoe was pivotal to her team’s success. Unfortunately, Reign couldn’t get past FC Kansas City in the Championship final. Several years later, Reign FC crowned Megan Rapinoe and 11 other players as legends of the club. The USWNT star joined an exclusive club of 36 other legends. Rapinoe was supposed to leave Reign after the 2022 season. However, she committed to the club for the eleventh consecutive season. Megan Rapinoe’s international career After making her debut for the US under-16 national soccer team in 2002, Rapinoe became a mainstay in the team. Between 2003-2005, her appearance for the US Under-19 team saw her score nine goals in 21 appearances. Her senior team debut happened on July 23, 2006. The match against Taiwan saw her score the first goal of her career in the US jersey. However, Rapinoe, unfortunately, picked up two separate ACL injuries. The USWNT star also ended up missing the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to those injuries. In 2009, Rapinoe scored the match-winning goal against Norway in the group stage. After winning the group stage, the US succumbed to Sweden in the championship final after losing in the penalty shootout. By 2010, Megan Rapinoe had become a mainstay in the USWNT. The fans weren’t surprised after seeing her name on the 2011 World Cup roster. However, the USWNT’s World Cup campaign came to a tragic end as Rapinoe’s side lost against Japan in the World Cup final. Rapinoe had a fine tournament after scoring one goal and managing three assists in six games. Rapinoe continued the winning form from the London Olympics into the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Even though the USWNT won the World Cup, Rapinoe’s campaign came to a premature end after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament. The 2019 World Cup saw Rapinoe cementing her legacy as one of the best soccer players. At the age of 34, she also became the oldest woman to score in a FIFA World Cup final. The US team defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the final while Rapinoe won the Golden Boot with 6 goals; including one in the final. She also won the Golden Ball award as the best player of the tournament. Despite all the success she had during her career, the 2012 London Olympics saw a different side of Rapinoe. The disappointment of losing to Japan at the 2011 World Cup final still lingered as Rapinoe and co avenged that loss with a 2-1 victory in the final. She finished the campaign with three goals and four assists. She also scored a memorable goal directly from the corner. Many ‘Team of Tournaments’ had Rapinoe’s name on their team. The USWNT star managed to score twice in a memorable 4-3 win against Australia. The USWNT returned home with a bronze medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Megan Rapinoe’s activism and philanthropy People from all across the globe recognize Rapinoe for her work for the LGBTQ community. She is directly involved with organizations like the Gay, Lesbian &amp; Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally. Rapinoe established a gender-neutral lifestyle brand called ‘re-inc’ in 2019. Other than that, Rapinoe has also been extremely vocal about gender discrimination. She was also one of the pioneers to achieve ‘equal pay’ between men’s and women’s soccer in the US. Megan Rapinoe’s wife: Sue Bird Sue Bird is a former American WNBA player. Due to her father being Jewish, Bird currently holds Israeli and American citizenship. She and Megan Rapinoe were the first same-gender couple to feature on the cover of the “Body Issue” of ESPN The Magazine. Megan Rapinoe announced her engagement with basketball star Sue Bird in 2020. However, in multiple interviews, the celebrity couple has mentioned that they aren’t in a hurry to get married. They met during the 2016 Summer Olympics and started dating. In 2017, Sue Bird took the bold step of coming out as gay when she announced her relationship with the USWNT star. She spent her entire professional career at Seattle Storm for over two decades. Bird is also the only WNBA player to win a title in three different decades. She’s also played basketball overseas for three other clubs, namely Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow Region, and UMMC Ekaterinburg. Megan Rapinoe’s Net Worth is estimated to be about $5 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth. On the other hand, Sue Bird’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Hence, the celebrity couple’s combined net worth should be about $13 million. Find out which one of them is wealthier here. Megan Rapinoe’s endorsements  Nike: In December 2021, Megan Rapinoe announced ‘Victory Redefined’, her partnership with Nike. Rapinoe&#8217;s deal with the elite sportswear brand is not just about marketing. It was mainly about what victories mean to different communities of people. The exclusive collaboration included a range of caps, geometric print ponchos, training wear, and travel fleeces. Visa: In 2019, Visa decided to make a ‘substantial’ investment in women’s soccer. The company revealed that Megan Rapinoe would join their roster of athletes. Visa became the first brand partner of the Players of Match Award at a Women’s World Cup. BodyArmor: She signed the contract in 2018 and it was basically a personal endorsement deal. Luna Bars: In 2019, Luna Bar announced that it would give $31,250 each to all 23 soccer players named in the 2019 USWNT World Cup squad. This was mainly to bridge the gap of unequal wages between the men’s and women’s teams. Victoria&#8217;s Secret: In 2021, Victoria’s Secret ditched their actual ‘angels’ for a new set of faces. Megan Rapinoe was one of the new faces that were introduced. The women’s lingerie brand wanted to advocate for female empowerment. Other brands Rapinoe endorses are Samsung and Hulu. Megan Rapinoe’s subway commercial Megan Rapinoe was part of a Subway commercial along with Serena Williams, Tom Brady, and Stephen Curry in 2021. The ad campaign was basically to convince people to switch toward a healthier option. Subway released the ad campaign after Megan Rapinoe controversially kneeled down on one knee for the National Anthem at the Tokyo Olympics. The USWNT star did nothing wrong in the ad. It was just her past activities that angered an already angry audience. People threatened Subway to take the ads down, otherwise they would boycott the brand. Megan Rapinoe’s hairstyle Megan Rapinoe has pink hair. As the USWNT star has dealt with social injustice for most of her life, she once claimed that pink hair was just a fun way in which she could express her individuality. Megan Rapinoe’s tattoos W: The W on her right wrist stands for “Warrior Woman” to represent that the women in her family were warriors. Nature Ran Her Course: This tattoo is on Megan Rapinoe’s left bicep. It says “Nature Ran Her Course” and it seems like a personal belief she holds. Mammers: This tattoo is on Rapinoe’s left wrist. Mammers in the short form of her mother’s nickname, “Mammer Jammers”. The tattoo is scripted in Sue Bird, her current partner’s handwriting. California: This tattoo is located on her right bicep. The tattoo is the outline of her hometown, Redding. Three Triangles: This tattoo is located behind her right arm. The tattoo is basically three interconnected triangles. However, she has never spoken about it. Megan Rapinoe kneels down during National Anthem Megan Rapinoe wanted to draw the nation’s attention toward police brutality and racial inequality. She wanted to have more two-sided conversations regarding racism in America. She refused to stand because she first wanted white people to actually stand in support of people of different backgrounds. Megan Rapinoe took a knee in two consecutive games in 2016. The first instance was before the game against Thailand. US Soccer then released a public statement that stated that all players must stand and honor the flag. However, Rapinoe continued to remain on strike and did the same thing before their next game against the Netherlands, too. ORLANDO, FL &#8211; JANUARY 18: Several United States players including United States forward Megan Rapinoe 15 and United States defender Crystal Dunn 19 are seen taking a kneel during the singing of the national anthem in action during an International Friendly, Länderspiel, Nationalmannschaft match between United States and Colombia on January 18, 2021, at Explora Stadium in Orlando, FL. Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JAN 18 Women s &#8211; Colombia at USA Icon164210118147 In her book, One Life, Rapinoe mentioned that she couldn’t imagine the impact that her actions had on the entire world. Several years later, different sports players worldwide kneeled as a team before their matches. When will Megan Rapinoe retire? Megan Rapinoe has never seriously considered retirement. She did take a short break from the sport. However, she then found ‘renewed joy and passion’ and was back in no time. Her main reason for contemplating retirement was frequent injuries. How to contact Megan Rapinoe? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Website, YouTube, Email  Full name Megan Anna Rapinoe  Born July 5, 1985  Place of birth Redding, California, US  Gender Female  Height 5ft 6in (168 cm)  Profession Soccer player  Playing Position Midfielder, Winger  Jersey Number 15  Religion Christianity  Nationality American  Ethnicity Italian, Irish, English  Net Worth $5 million  Parents Jim Rapinoe, Denise Rapinoe  Siblings Rachael Rapinoe, Brian Rapinoe  Twin Rachael Rapinoe  Marital Status Engaged  Wife  N/A  Children N/A

Just Like Martina Navratilova and Megan Rapinoe, Brittney Griner’s Big Revelation on Her Romantic Life Failed to Cause the Expected Furor in 2013

Brittney Griner followed the footsteps of Rapinoe and Navratilova