The WNBA
On April 16, 2005, the Shock drafted Braxton in the first round and was the seventh overall pick in the annual WNBA draft. She had given birth to a son, Jelani, in January 2005. Jelani's father is Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman.
Braxton was named to the WNBA's All-Rookie team in 2005 after averaging 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds as a key reserve for the Shock. In 2006 she averaged fewer minutes and points than in her rookie season, but helped the Shock win the WNBA title that year.
In 2007, Braxton became Detroit's starting center after the Shock traded Ruth Riley to the San Antonio Silver Stars. She averaged 6.0 ppg. Near the end of the 2007 regular season, the WNBA suspended Braxton for two games after she pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. She was also suspended for the first six games of the 2009 season for a second DUI.
Read more about this topic: Kara Braxton