There has been some speculation, which I wish to put to rest, as to whether the WNBPA plans to appeal the seven game suspensions issued by the WNBA to Brittney Griner and Glory Johnson as the result of a domestic incident that took place at their home in Goodyear, Arizona on April 22, 2015.
There is a significant segment of WNBA players who feel that, while a suspension may have been warranted, a suspension of seven games (20% of the season) is excessive and inappropriate for each player in these circumstances. As the union representing all WNBA players, for whom this suspension, left unchallenged, would have precedential effect, we feel there are sufficient grounds for an appeal challenging the length of these suspensions, including the fact this was a first time incident for both players, the current legal status of this matter, prior precedents in this and other sports leagues, and the significant economic impact suspensions of this length yield in the WNBA. Under the collective bargaining agreement, however, the union cannot appeal without the approval of the player who received the discipline.
We are still in discussions with Glory, Brittney and their representatives to determine how they wish to proceed in light of their own personal situations and the concerns of other WNBA players.
–Evie Goldstein, Director of Operations, WNBPA