Brittney Griner Says She Will Play In WNBA This Season After Returning Home From Russia

Topline

In Brittney Griner’s first statement since being freed from a Russian prison through a prisoner swap, the basketball star called for the release of Paul Whelan, who is also detained in the country, and said she intends to play in the WNBA this season so she can “say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person.”

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” Griner said.

Key Background

Griner was detained in February when traveling to Russia to play basketball in the country during the WNBA’s off-season. She was arrested at the airport for allegedly having hash oil in her luggage, which she ultimately pleaded guilty to in Russian court. She was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in a prison colony in the country. The U.S. government considered Griner to be wrongly detained. She was freed last week in a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, also known as the “Merchant Of Death.” Forbes first reported the possibility of a prisoner swap in May, and in July it was reported that the U.S. had made the offer. Whelan, who is serving time on espionage charges in Russia, was initially reported to be part of the prisoner swap. Earlier this year, American Trevor Reed was also freed from Russia through a prisoner swap.

Further Reading

Brittney Griner Freed From Russian Detention In Swap For ‘Merchant Of Death’ (Forbes)

Viktor Bout: Here’s What To Know About Russia’s ‘Merchant Of War’ And Why He Was The Prisoner Exchanged For Brittney Griner (Forbes)