Brittney Griner enters diversion program, must complete counseling

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has entered into a diversion agreement after being arrested on suspicion of assault following a fight last week with her fiancee, fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson.

As part of the agreement reached Tuesday in Goodyear Municipal Court, Griner will plead guilty to disorderly conduct and must attend 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling. All charges will be dismissed if she completes her counseling.

"It is never OK for an argument to turn physical. This will never happen again, and I take my relationship and my responsibility as a role model seriously," Griner said in a statement. "I am committed to making positive changes and I plan to use what I have learned to set a good example and help make a difference in the world around me."

Griner voluntarily began counseling the day after being arrested for the April 22 incident at the home she shares with Johnson, according to her attorney, David Michael Cantor.

Griner and Johnson, who plays for the Tulsa Shock, both were charged with assault by recklessly causing physical injuries and disorderly conduct after an argument at the home that the couple bought two days earlier turned physical.

The two 24-year-old players suffered minor injuries, including a bite mark on Griner's finger, but neither required medical attention.

Griner told police the fight was caused by weeks of stress, including buying a house, planning a wedding and their relationship. The pair announced their engagement late last summer and expected to get married next month.