Glory Johnson's request for $20,000 a month in temporary spousal support plus attorney's fees from Brittney Griner was denied by Maricopa County, Arizona, Superior Court commissioner Jacki Ireland on Thursday.
Johnson and Griner, both WNBA players, were married May 8. Johnson, who plays for the Tulsa Shock, announced June 4 that she would miss this WNBA season because she is pregnant. But the next day, Griner -- a member of the Phoenix Mercury -- filed papers requesting the marriage be annulled or dissolved, saying she was "pressured into marriage under duress by Johnson's threatening statements."
David Michael Cantor, Griner's attorney said in a statement Thursday, "We are very pleased that the judge has ruled, after evaluating the credibility of the testimony, that a 28-day marriage does not entitle Glory Johnson to Brittney Griner's money for purposes of alimony, Mercedes car payments or attorney's fees."
On Aug. 12, the court found there was no legal basis for annulment, and the case proceeded as a dissolution of the marriage (Arizona's term for divorce) with minor children. Johnson is due to give birth to twins in February.
In a court hearing on Monday, Johnson, appearing via telephone, made her argument for the spousal support from Griner. Griner, who appeared in court in person, said she could not afford that much.
The court has advised the two attempt to mediate a settlement on community property before the dissolution of marriage is granted. Their next hearing on that process is Sept. 23.
Once the children are born, Johnson can file a motion requesting child support from Griner. Johnson has testified that Griner was fully part of the decision for Johnson to pursue in vitro fertilization.
But Griner has said she was unaware of when the actual process resulting in Johnson's pregnancy had taken place.
Griner and Johnson were involved in a domestic violence incident at their Arizona home April 22. Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and is taking part in a diversion program and counseling. Johnson pleaded not guilty and her case is ongoing.