Brittney Griner had the support of America behind her as she served a seemingly never ending ten month sentence in Russia. Griner attended Baylor University for four years; she was drafted as the overall first pick in the 2013 WNBA draft to the Phoenix Mercury and has been excelling ever since.
The accolades that Brittney Griner has achieved are substantial; she is an eight time WNBA All-Star, eight time WNBA blocks leader, and of course has won one WNBA championship (2014.) While the list of Griner’s accomplishments could go on, they are surely not done accumulating.
On December 8th, 2022, Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison in a prisoner swap for a global arms dealer, Viktor Bout. President Biden was active in making sure Griner returned home safely, acting as an ally alongside Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner.
The question that had many fans and friends of Griner pondering was, “When will Brittney return to playing in the WNBA?” Once Griner was settled back in the United States, the Phoenix Mercury organization made it clear that she had no intentions of missing an additional season in the league.
Mercury’s general manager, Jim Pittman, released a statement in February saying, “We missed BG everyday… This is a special signing and today is a special day for all of us.” Griner’s team is enthusiastic that she made a safe return home, and is looking forward to having her skills back on the court.
After the Phoenix Mercury’s game on May 19th, Griner shared about her living conditions in Russia, “I was literally in a cage and could not stand the way I wanted to.” Griner expressed her undoubted gratitude for being an American while still showing her respect for those who choose to protest for matters important to them in the United States.
With four regular season games under Griner’s belt, she is currently averaging 22 points, 1.8 assists, and 8.8 rebounds per game.
The Phoenix Mercury have started out with a 1-3 record this season, but with Griner standing at 6 ‘9 and playing with more heart than ever before, the team is confident they will excel. Grinder’s teammate, Diana Taurasi explained, “every week you can see her getting a little bit better.”
Despite the challenges Brittney Griner has encountered over the last year, she has shown resilience that has not wavered. Her friends, family, fans, and many more Americans, are cheering her on as she returns to the game she knows and loves.
Despite the challenges Brittney Griner has encountered over the last year, she has shown resilience that has not wavered. Her friends, family, fans, and many more Americans, are cheering her on as she returns to the game she knows and loves.
Credit Photo – Getty Images
