BREAKING: Brittney Griner Released in Prisoner Exchange
Brian Snyder/REUTERS
Washington (PSF) — After 294 days wrongfully detained in a Russian prison, WNBA star Brittney Griner has finally been released. In a press conference from the Oval Office this morning, President Biden confirmed that a prisoner exchange has been completed. In return for Griner’s freedom, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout was sent back to Russia. Bout was fifteen years into a twenty-five year long sentence for conspiring to kill American citizens. Griner was arrested back in February, after returning to Russia to play her professional basketball season. She was arrested for bringing Haddish oil, which is a cannabis product. In July, Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russia penal colony. In November, after losing her appeal, Griner was moved to a labor camp in Mordovia.
Teammates, opponents, players, coaches, and never stopped talking about Griner’s detainment. National team teammate and Seattle Storm guard, Breanna Stewart posted on Twitter every single day about Griner’s detention, continuously calling on President Biden and Vice President Harris to bring Griner home.
Baylor, Griner’s alma mater also showed support for her, wearing “BG” patches on their jerseys this season. Their current coach, Nicky Collen has not hesitated to express the team’s support for her this year. Griner’s Baylor coach, Kim Mulkey has remained silent, causing backlash from many former players.
For fans like me, the 2022 WNBA season was hard to watch. It felt like there was this gaping hole in the league. One that wouldn’t be filled until Brittney Griner was finally free again. Now, as teams begin to prepare for the 2023 season, that hole is finally filled. Brittney Griner is on her way home, finally being reunited with her family and friends. She is safe at last. Now as fans, we must give her time to heal, time to process, and time without pressure, so that one day, if she’s ready, she can talk about her experience.
Welcome home, BG. We are so glad you’re safe.
