By: Vivek Nair
Image Credit: Twitter
Brittney Griner, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday about her detention in Russia in February 2022.
Griner spent nearly 300 days in Russian custody and was sentenced to nine years in prison under drug-smuggling charges after authorities in the country found cannabis oil in her luggage.
She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison. After months of negotiations, Griner was exchanged in the United Arab Emirates for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8th.
During a news conference at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Griner spoke about the support she received from her family, friends, and fans and got emotional quickly.
"I’m no stranger to hard times," Griner said. "Just digging deep. You’re going to be faced with adversities in life. This was a pretty big one. I just relied on my hard work to get through it."
The experience has left a lasting impact on Griner, who vowed to never play overseas again unless it’s for the Olympics.
"I hope the WNBA will continue to grow and that there will be change. If I make that (US) team, that would be the only time I’ll leave US soil, and that’s just to represent the USA." Griner said.
Griner's message to other American detainees was to stay strong and keep fighting. Her story highlights the challenges faced by athletes who compete in different countries with distinct legal systems.
Brittney Griner Received No Support From Father Raymond Griner Even When Her Friends Abused Her “For Looking Like a Boy”