WNBA star Brittney Griner embroiled in alimony dispute with spouse

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Brittney Griner's marriage drama is generating headlines again.

The WNBA star, a former Baylor and Nimitz standout, is being asked by estranged wife Glory Johnson to provide $20,000 per month in spousal support and a $10,000 advance toward legal fees for Johnson's attorney, ESPN reported.

An evidentiary hearing is slated for Aug. 17 at the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Central Building in Phoenix. Griner plays for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

On June 5, Griner had petitioned to annul the marriage, which took place May 8. The day before Griner filed her petition, Johnson, who plays for the Tulsa Shock, announced she is pregnant and will miss the upcoming WNBA season.

In her petition, Griner said she wasn't aware of the in vitro fertilization that led to Johnson's pregnancy. Griner claimed she was "pressured into marriage under duress by Johnson's threatening statements" and said the marriage was "based on fraud."

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According to Johnson's counterpetition, she needs financial support because of her reduced WNBA salary during her pregnancy leave and the inability to play overseas. Johnson said her finances had dried up becasue of wedding expenses, buying furniture for the couple's Phoenix-area home and the in vitro procedures.

In her petition, Johnson added she she can't seek employment away from playing basketball because carrying twins is a "high-risk multiple pregnancy." In the interim, she needs "household assistance, personal trainers, and medical care not covered by her current insurance."

The maximum salary in the WNBA in 2014 was $107,000. Griner reportedly made nearly $600,000 while playing three months in China last year.

During happier times, Brittney Griner (left) and Glory Johnson attended a Houston Dash game earlier in the spring. During happier times, Brittney Griner (left) and Glory Johnson attended a Houston Dash game earlier in the spring. Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Freelance Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Freelance Image 1 of / 47 Caption Close WNBA star Brittney Griner embroiled in alimony dispute with spouse 1 / 47 Back to Gallery

Griner and Johnson were arrested after a domestic disturbance at their Phoenix-area home in April. In May, the WNBA suspended each for seven games.