Brittney Griner surprised former NFL quarterback Cam Newton during a recent podcast by openly discussing her dating life. The WNBA star, currently playing her first season with the Atlanta Dream, spoke candidly about her personal experiences and identity.
Griner, who is openly gay and married to attorney Cherelle Griner, shared insights into her romantic history as the pair engaged in an in-depth conversation. The couple recently celebrated the first birthday of their son, Bash, born last year.
Exploring Griner’s Relationship Timeline and Personal Identity
During the podcast, Newton expressed curiosity about Griner’s experiences with dating men, prompting a revealing exchange about her orientation. Griner confirmed she has never dated men and has known her preferences from a very young age.
Newton asked,
“Have you ever dated a man?”
to which Griner replied without hesitation, “Nah, never.”
When questioned about when she realized her sexual orientation, Griner shared an early childhood memory, saying,
“I mean, I had a crush on my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Wagner.”
Newton responded in surprise, highlighting the honesty of the moment.
Griner Reflects on Gender Roles and Family Influence
Griner described how she gravitated toward traditionally masculine roles even during childhood, preferring to “be the guy” when playing house. She admired the responsibilities of providing and protecting, drawing inspiration from her father’s example.
She explained,
“He worked his butt off. He provided for us. We always felt protected by him. He wasn’t going to let anyone disrespect my mom, disrespect us. He took care of the house, the yard, the car… typical man things.”
Griner concluded about her attraction to men,
“I just never had an affection for the guys,”
highlighting the clarity of her orientation throughout her life.
Celebrating Family Milestones and On-Court Performance
In addition to opening up about her personal life, Griner and Cherelle Griner recently marked a major family milestone by celebrating their son Bash’s first birthday, sharing moments from the party on social media. This intimate glimpse into her life underscores the balance she maintains between her athletic career and family.
On the court, Griner continues to showcase her talents in the WNBA. The 34-year-old forward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 draft who starred at Baylor University, is currently averaging 11 points, 5.7 rebounds, and nearly one assist per game for the Atlanta Dream.
The Broader Significance of Griner’s Openness
Griner’s heartfelt discussion about her dating life and identity during the podcast highlights a growing openness among athletes regarding personal issues once considered private. Her willingness to speak transparently contributes to normalizing conversations about sexuality in professional sports and serves as inspiration for many.
As Brittney Griner continues her career with the Atlanta Dream, her story underscores the importance of authenticity, both on and off the court, and points to a society increasingly embracing diverse life experiences.