Fact check: What was the reason behind Brittney Griner's suspension from the WNBA?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Brittney Griner has faced multiple suspensions throughout her WNBA career for different reasons. The most significant documented suspension was a 7-game suspension without pay that occurred following her arrest on April 22 in Goodyear, Arizona, for misdemeanor charges of assault and disorderly conduct ^[1]. This suspension resulted from a physical altercation with her partner Glory Johnson that involved pushing, wrestling, punches, and throwing objects, causing injuries to both parties ^[2]. Griner subsequently pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and entered a diversion program that included 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling ^[3].

Additionally, the analyses reveal multiple incidents involving confrontations with referees that have led to ejections and potential suspensions. In recent incidents, Griner was ejected from games after heated confrontations with referee Angelica Suffren, where she received technical fouls for arguing and making physical contact with officials ^{[4] [5] [6]}. The analyses also reference a past three-game suspension for involvement in a skirmish ^[7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about which specific suspension is being referenced, as Griner has faced multiple disciplinary actions throughout her career. The analyses reveal that Griner has expressed feelings of being disrespected by the league, citing the physical play against her and what she perceives as the league's lack of commitment to its marquee players ^[7].

An important perspective missing from a simple recounting of suspensions is Griner's own accountability and efforts at rehabilitation. She has publicly stated that she takes her responsibility as a role model seriously and is committed to making positive changes ^[3]. This demonstrates a pattern of accepting responsibility for her actions.

The analyses also suggest that referee interactions and officiating standards may be ongoing issues, as multiple incidents involve confrontations with officials over penalty calls ^[8]. This raises questions about whether there are systemic issues with officiating consistency that contribute to player frustrations.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains no inherent misinformation but lacks necessary specificity. By asking about "the reason" for suspension in singular form, it implies there was only one suspension, when the analyses clearly document multiple suspensions for different infractions spanning from domestic violence incidents to referee confrontations.

The question's framing could lead to incomplete or misleading answers if respondents focus on only one incident without acknowledging the pattern of disciplinary issues. The WNBA and league officials would benefit from emphasizing individual incidents in isolation rather than discussing any systemic patterns, while player advocates might benefit from highlighting broader issues with officiating or league treatment of star players.

The analyses show that WNBA President Laurel J. Richie made official statements regarding the domestic violence suspension ^[2], indicating the league's commitment to addressing serious off-court conduct, which benefits the league's reputation for maintaining professional standards.