When Brittney Griner opened up about her relationship: “My girlfriend’s a lotta work, like my puppy”

While Brittney Griner was tearing it up on the court for Baylor, the six-foot-nine star met the woman who would go on to be her wife, Cherelle Watson. Although Baylor at the time was unhappy with Griner being open about her sexuality, she admittedly fell for one of her fellow students.

After being drafted first overall in the 2013 WNBA draft, she was shadowed for the day by a reporter from Elle. It gave fans an inside look at the hottest prospect in not only women's basketball, but the game as a whole. Just like everyone else, despite her love for her girlfriend, she couldn't help but mutter under her breath like any other spouse.

"My girlfriend's a lotta work, like my puppy."

At the time, Cherelle was staying with Griner at WNBA housing in Phoenix for the summer, before then returning to Baylor to complete her last year of school. Over the next year, the pair would break up, and Griner would marry fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.

The marriage didn't last, however, and after the pair divorced in 2016, Brittney Griner and Cherelle found their way back to one another. Since then, Cherelle has played an integral role in helping get Griner released from Russia.

Brittney Griner's wife Cherelle, how she helped get BG home

After Brittney Griner was detained in Russia earlier this year, her wife Cherelle did everything she could to bring BG home. Following 138 days of detention in Russia, Cherelle knew she had to do more if her wife had any chance of being freed.

Phoenix Mercury v Las Vegas Aces - Game Five

Cherelle made an appearance on CBS Mornings, calling for United States President Joe Biden and his administration to do more. From then on, it took five long months before a deal was finally reached to send Brittney Griner home. After the news broke, Cherelle spoke about the situation and what it meant to her knowing her wife was returning home safely.

(Suggested Reading: When LeBron James ripped Charles Barkley for calling him whiny)

"For the last nine months, you all have been so privy to one of the darkest moments of my life and so today, I am just standing here overwhelmed with emotions. ... Today my family is whole — but as you all are aware, there are so many other families who are not whole. [Brittney] and I will remain committed to the work of getting every American home."

Since returning home, Brittney Griner has reportedly been following through with her wife's vow to help bring other Americans home. It was recently revealed that Griner had been asking about U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who is currently imprisoned in Russia as well.

After Brittney Griner returned to the United States, she made it clear that she would be playing in the upcoming WNBA season. With things set to kick off in May, Brittney Griner will have about five months before things begin. When they do, her wife will likely be right there in the stands cheering her on.

(Suggested Reading: The time Shaq accidentally spent almost his entire first-year Lakers salary)