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via Getty

via Getty

WNBA star Brittney Griner’s story has inspired millions over the world. BG’s fighting spirit and her will to make it big despite many struggles are often talked about by many. However, a lot of credit for Griner’s success goes to her father, who always acted as her north star. BG and her father did not have the best of relationships growing up. However, his strictness did help the Phoenix Mercury center to stay on the right path. Brittney Griner once revealed that her father made sure that she did not follow in her brother’s footsteps despite her obsession before turning 18.

Brittney Griner was deeply inspired by her elder brother DeCarlo and aimed to become like him. Griner talked about her love for DeCarlo in her 2014 biographical memoir, In My Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court. When Brittney was not around her father, she always tried to become like her brother. He was a jack-off all-trades, working different jobs as a mechanic, truck driver, on oil rigs. He installed pools as well.

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Father helped Brittney Griner stay on the right path

BG often invited him for dinner at home and he pulled off with his motorcycle which BG admired. She got into cars and got tattoos done just to be like her brother. However, DeCarlo often got into trouble while growing up and had a difficult relationship with their father.

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Griner’s father liked the way DeCarlo treated her but he did not want her taking after him. Griner’s brother was wild and always troubled their father. He often ended up having fights with Griner’s father. So, hetried to stop creating another DeCarlo at home.

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Griner shared a piece of advice her father told her and her sister Pier. He said, “There’s no bail money for y’all because your brother used it up. So you’d better not end up in jail, because you’ll be stuck there.”

As a teenager, Griner found it funny at the beginning. But as she grew, BG understood the painful approach her father had to take to keep her on the right path. Her father’s teachings helped her understand the consequences of her actions and keep away from the wrong path. She kept working hard and became a successful WNBA star and becoming an inspiration for a lot of people.

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However, Brittney Griner is currently in a Russian jail after a series of unfortunate occurrences. Many Americans believe her detention is unlawful and unacceptable. The US government is currently trying to broker a deal with Moscow to facilitate her release.