Brittney Griner | Caught in the war
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner | Caught in the war

The Hindu  

On Thursday, a court in Russia handed American basketball star Brittney Griner a nine-year sentence for possessing two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport. Just because, you know, she can’t make enough money in the WNBA to sustain her life.” Griner was among a dozen WNBA players playing in Russia and Ukraine. The stakes are so high that it was among the topics reportedly discussed in a meeting late last month between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, their first direct conversation since the war broke out in late February. While the U.S. has termed Griner’s arrest and subsequent conviction a case of “wrongful detention”, Russia has insisted that it is a case of the country’s law taking its own course.

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History of this topic

Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prison
5 months ago

Brittney Griner honored to be wearing a USA Basketball jersey again after time in Russian prison

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — There were times Brittney Griner thought she would never wear a USA Basketball jersey again. “For me to now have the honor to wear it again and potentially win gold is icing on the cake for everything.” Griner had gone to Russia to play basketball and supplement her WNBA income. I’m thrilled for her personally and thrilled for …

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner’s arrest
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner’s arrest

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans that opted to play in Russia this past offseason, a decision New York Liberty forward Kayla Thornton said raised a few eyebrows following Brittney Griner’s incarceration in 2022. “I had a lot of people trying to question my decision and were like, ‘Are you sure?’” Thornton told The Associated …

Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner continues her efforts to settle into a normal routine following her release from a Russian prison 17 months ago. WNBA star details experience in book AP correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on Brittney Griner 17 months after returning from Russian detainment. Government officials “have to make really hard decisions.” Griner, who first met President Biden at the White House …

Brittney Griner book review: Coming Home is a moving memoir about the WNBA star’s detention in Russia.
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Brittney Griner book review: Coming Home is a moving memoir about the WNBA star’s detention in Russia.

Slate  

Before WNBA and Team USA superstar Brittney Griner was detained in Russia for 10 months in 2022, U.S. hostages abroad seemed like a distant problem, one she could never fully connect with, she writes in her compelling new book, Coming Home, out Tuesday. And then one February, over there became my here and now.” Griner doesn’t hold back in her …

Brittney Griner says she contemplated suicide, recalling experience in Russian prisons
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner says she contemplated suicide, recalling experience in Russian prisons

Salon  

For years, Brittney Griner was WNBA's most high-profile athlete, known for her 6-foot-9 nine stature, her 7-foot wingspan and her NCAA record-breaking slam dunks. In a New York Times profile published on Thursday, Griner recalled the events surrounding her arrest, subsequent nine-year prison sentence and eventual release in a high-profile prisoner swap at the center of a bitter, contentious rivalry …

Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — WNBA star Brittney Griner said she thought about killing herself during her first few weeks in a Russian jail after her 2022 arrest on drug-related charges. Griner was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis. “I wanted to take my …

Disney and ESPN join hands to portray WNBA star Brittney Griner's Russian detainment
1 year ago

Disney and ESPN join hands to portray WNBA star Brittney Griner's Russian detainment

Hindustan Times  

Disney, ESPN and ABC have joined hands to portray the story of WNBA star Brittney Griner's detainment in Russia in various formats. “The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” said Brittney, in a statement …

Israel-Hamas war means one less overseas option for WNBA players with Russia already out
1 year, 2 months ago

Israel-Hamas war means one less overseas option for WNBA players with Russia already out

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Alysha Clark has spent the past five WNBA offseasons playing overseas in Israel, but with the country at war with Hamas she probably won’t be going back this year — if it’s even an option. I’d prefer to stay home and be with my family, be in the market in Vegas and do that type of thing.” …

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
1 year, 3 months ago

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA after nearly 10 months in a Russian prison hasn’t always been the smoothest ride. “It probably sounds like a lot, but that’s my peace.” Griner’s return this season has been widely celebrated around the WNBA and much of the expected vitriol — she was freed as part of a swap for notorious …

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — Brittney Griner didn’t know what to expect when the WNBA season began, how she would respond after the trauma she experienced of being incarcerated in Russia that also forced her off the court for many months. “I just wanted to get out there and try my best not to get hurt, give it the best I’ve got,” …

Stewart and Collier plan to start a new women’s league to play in WNBA offseason
1 year, 5 months ago

Stewart and Collier plan to start a new women’s league to play in WNBA offseason

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are starting a new women’s basketball league to give top players another option to play in the U.S. in the offseason once the league’s prioritization rules go into effect next year. The new league, which is called Unrivaled, will run from January through March and have 30 of the top …

Shocking video shows right-wing YouTuber harassing Brittney Griner at airport
1 year, 6 months ago

Shocking video shows right-wing YouTuber harassing Brittney Griner at airport

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Brittney Griner’s team has …

‘A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

‘A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Brittney Griner stood for the national anthem before her first regular-season WNBA game since being jailed in Russia. “Just being able to hear my national anthem and see my flag, I definitely want to stand.” Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots Friday night for the Phoenix Mercury in a 94-71 loss to the …

‘Day of joy’ as Brittney Griner returns to WNBA
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Day of joy’ as Brittney Griner returns to WNBA

Firstpost  

Los Angeles: Brittney Griner made an emotional return to women’s basketball on Friday, playing her first competitive game in nearly two years following her incarceration in Russia. The result, however, was almost a footnote to an occasion that Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard described as a “day of joy.” “All last season I opened every press conference with how many days …

WNBA: Brittney Griner greeted by US VP Harris in return to court
1 year, 7 months ago

WNBA: Brittney Griner greeted by US VP Harris in return to court

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner returned to the WNBA hardwood on Friday night in Los Angeles to cheers from a raucous crowd that included US Vice President Kamala Harris. It felt like the last time I played,” a smiling Griner said of making the shot after missing all of last season while detained in Russia for nearly 10 months. “I definitely feel it, …

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

‘A day of joy:’ Brittney Griner set to open 1st WNBA season since detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

For the first time since last season, Phoenix coach Vanessa Nygaard opened her pregame comments without announcing how many days Brittney Griner had been jailed in Russia. It was the 32-year-old center’s first game action since she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis …

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal
1 year, 7 months ago

‘Day of joy’ as Griner makes WNBA return after Russia ordeal

Al Jazeera  

Brittney Griner was released from a Russian penal colony in a high-profile prisoner exchange with the US late last year. Griner, who was released by Russia as part of a prisoner swap last year, made her first appearance in a WNBA game in 579 days on Friday evening as the Phoenix Mercury faced the Los Angeles Sparks in a season …

Brittney Griner’s WNBA return puts player salaries back in focus
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner’s WNBA return puts player salaries back in focus

Al Jazeera  

As new season tips off, US women’s basketball league faces questions over why its top stars must go abroad for more pay. “But at the same time, as much as I would love to pay my light bill the love of the game, I can’t, you know?” WNBA salaries For years, WNBA players have gone abroad to supplement their league …

Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner’s life and career path have taken a sharp turn over the past 18 months following a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges that ended with a prisoner swap in December. “This is a person who has been off for more than a year and she’s been battling really hard, and I thought she did some really …

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays first WNBA pre-season game since detainment in Russia

Firstpost  

Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges ended with a prisoner swap Phoenix: Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for …

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner plays in first WNBA preseason game since detainment in Russia

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 and 1/2 hours before Phoenix Mercury played Friday night and hugged and high-fived her teammates, coaches and opposing players. Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges which ended with a prisoner swap in December. The seven-time All-Star, who missed the …

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner Returns To Court In First WNBA Action Since Russian Detainment

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING PHOENIX — Brittney Griner strolled down the sideline about 1 1/2 hours before the Phoenix Mercury played Friday night, giving hugs and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opposing players. “I’m not going to take a day for granted.” Griner returned to game action for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges …

Griner using new platform for greater good in return to WNBA
1 year, 7 months ago

Griner using new platform for greater good in return to WNBA

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner caught a flight to Washington, D.C., to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, landed back at Phoenix around 4 a.m. and was up five hours later for the start of training camp. “It’s cool because now I’m able to reach even more people and bring them into the WNBA, but then also keep them aware …

Brittney Griner won't play abroad again, vows to fight for US prisoners
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner won't play abroad again, vows to fight for US prisoners

Firstpost  

Russia released Brittney Griner in December last year as part of a deal that saw her swapped for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as the ‘Merchant of Death’ Phoenix: WNBA superstar Brittney Griner vowed never to play basketball overseas again on Thursday in an emotional first press conference since being released by Russia as part of a prisoner …

Watch: Brittney Griner holds first news conference since Russia prison release
1 year, 7 months ago

Watch: Brittney Griner holds first news conference since Russia prison release

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for …

Brittney Griner: Never playing overseas again ‘unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics’
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner: Never playing overseas again ‘unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics’

New York Times  

After being detained for 10 months in Russia, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner said she will no longer play basketball overseas during the WNBA offseason. “I’m never going overseas to play again unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics,” said Griner, who spoke Thursday in Phoenix at her first news conference since returning to the U.S. in December. Griner’s …

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.” Griner added that she also …

Brittney Griner Working On Memoir About Russian Captivity
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner Working On Memoir About Russian Captivity

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING NEW YORK — Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024. Brittney Griner appears on stage at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, Calif., on Feb. 25, 2023. via Associated Press “That day …

Brittney Griner to detail ‘unfathomable’ Russian arrest and detention in new memoir
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner to detail ‘unfathomable’ Russian arrest and detention in new memoir

LA Times  

Brittney Griner announced that she will write a memoir about her arrest and 10-month detention in Russia. Griner will detail the “incredibly challenging 10 months of detainment” in Russia in an upcoming memoir, she announced Tuesday. While Griner’s arrest is at the center of the upcoming book, she said the book is also for other Americans who are imprisoned overseas, …

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner will be back in the WNBA this season, once again playing with the Phoenix Mercury. “We missed BG every day that she was gone and, while basketball was not our primary concern, her presence on the floor, in our locker room, around our organization, and within our community was greatly missed,” Mercury GM Jim Pitman said. “I do …

Brittney Griner is back in WNBA: She re-signs with Mercury
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner is back in WNBA: She re-signs with Mercury

LA Times  

It’s official: Brittney Griner will resume her WNBA career after re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury. “We missed BG every day that she was gone and, while basketball was not our primary concern, her presence on the floor, in our locker room, around our organization, and within our community was greatly missed,“ Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said in a statement …

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball
2 years ago

Brittney Griner says she will return to playing basketball

Al Jazeera  

In first remarks since returning to the US, WNBA star thanks all who pushed for her release from Russian prison. United States basketball star Brittney Griner, who was released from detention in Russia last week, has said she will be back on the court with her Women’s National Basketball Association team next season. The two-time Olympic gold medallist also expressed …

Brittney Griner undecided on WNBA return, agent says
2 years ago

Brittney Griner undecided on WNBA return, agent says

The Hindu  

When, or if, Brittney Griner plans to return to the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury, is undecided, her agent told ESPN. Lindsay Kagawa Colas, speaking about Griner’s first days since her release from a Russian penal colony, said Griner grabbed a basketball on Sunday for the first time since she was taken into custody in February. Griner was released from …

US basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home after Russia prisoner swap
2 years ago

US basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home after Russia prisoner swap

Firstpost  

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion and LGBTQ trailblazer, was arrested at a Moscow airport against a backdrop of soaring tensions over Ukraine. Washington: American basketball star Brittney Griner arrived in the United States Friday morning after she was released from a Russian prison in exchange for an arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death.” Griner, 32, …

Explained: Who is Brittney Griner, the US basketball star released from a Russian prison?
2 years ago

Explained: Who is Brittney Griner, the US basketball star released from a Russian prison?

Firstpost  

Before being arrested by Russian authorities for possessing cannabis oil in February, Brittney Griner had an amazing career in basketball, winning two Olympic gold medals for the American team. After 10 long months, she now returns home after a prisoner swap with Moscow for arms dealer Viktor Bout A nightmare that lasted for 10 long months has come to an …

Brittney Griner’s ordeal made WNBA overseas players trepidatious, now they’re celebrating
2 years ago

Brittney Griner’s ordeal made WNBA overseas players trepidatious, now they’re celebrating

New York Times  

In No Offseason, The Athletic follows the paths of women’s basketball players after their WNBA seasons’ end and their travels begin. “It could have been somebody else.” Howard added that although she’s playing in Istanbul right now, she didn’t want to play a full season in the transcontinental city because the Griner “situation was mentally draining.” She’s spent the fall …

Brittney Griner back on U.S. soil after Russian prisoner swap
2 years ago

Brittney Griner back on U.S. soil after Russian prisoner swap

LA Times  

WNBA star Brittney Griner deplanes in San Antonio on Friday after her release in a prisoner swap with Russia. Asked whether more such swaps could happen, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that “everything is possible,” noting that “compromises have been found” to clear the way for Thursday’s exchange. Biden’s authorization to release Bout, the Russian felon once nicknamed “the …

WNBA star Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court
2 years ago

WNBA star Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — WNBA star Brittney Griner’s 10-month imprisonment in Russia on drug charges came to an end on Thursday, spreading relief and joy across the sports world and beyond. On the court, Griner was a dominant force in leading Baylor to the 2012 NCAA championship, then went onto stardom as a lanky anchor for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and as …

Griner’s Olympic coach calls for compassion as WNBA star released
2 years ago

Griner’s Olympic coach calls for compassion as WNBA star released

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner’s Olympic coach Dawn Staley called for compassion as the eight-time Women’s National Basketball Association All-Star was released from Russian detention on Thursday. “I hope she felt lifted, lifted in prayer, lifted in friendship, lifted in our basketball community.” US Republican lawmakers have been critical of the deal in exchange for Russian citizen Viktor Bout, a former arms dealer, …

Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court
2 years ago

Brittney Griner a generational talent on the court

The Hindu  

WNBA star Brittney Griner’s 10-month imprisonment in Russia on drug charges came to an end on Thursday, spreading relief and joy across the sports world and beyond. On the court, Griner was a dominant force in leading Baylor to the 2012 NCAA championship, then went onto stardom as a lanky anchor for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and as a two-time …

Brittney Griner’s career on and off the basketball court
2 years ago

Brittney Griner’s career on and off the basketball court

The Hindu  

WNBA star Brittney Griner was freed by Russia on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange with the US, which released notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in return. WNBA star Griner freed in prisoner swap; US releases Russian arms dealer Bout Here is a timeline of key events in Griner’s career on and off the basketball court: October 18, …

A look at Brittney Griner’s career on, off basketball court
2 years ago

A look at Brittney Griner’s career on, off basketball court

Associated Press  

A timeline of key events in Brittney Griner’s career on and off the basketball court: Oct. 18, 1990: Brittney Griner was born in Houston. 2011-12: Led Baylor to a 40-0 record and earned Associated Press Player of the Year honors averaging 23.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 5 blocks. Aug. 8, 2021: Helped U.S. win seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal at …

WNBA star Brittney Griner released from Russia in prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout
2 years ago

WNBA star Brittney Griner released from Russia in prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout

New York Times  

After being detained for nine months, WNBA star Brittney Griner has been released from Russia and will return to the United States to be reunited with her family, President Joe Biden announced. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT — President Biden December 8, 2022 What they’re saying Biden, who appeared with Vice President Kamala Harris and Griner’s wife, Cherelle, said it “took painstaking and intense …

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison
2 years ago

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison

NPR  

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison Enlarge this image toggle caption Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool/AFP via Getty Images Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool/AFP via Getty Images President Biden says WNBA star Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russian prison. Standing along side Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, at the White House, Biden said it was a day that "we worked …

Brittney Griner, an absence felt across the sport: Our WNBA Person of the Year
2 years ago

Brittney Griner, an absence felt across the sport: Our WNBA Person of the Year

New York Times  

In December, The Athletic will be highlighting the coaches, athletes and other figures who made the biggest impact in the U.S. sports we cover, as well as in the fields of sports business, media and culture. Griner’s absence was the biggest story of the year, making her The Athletic’s WNBA Person of the Year. GO DEEPER Timeline of Brittney Griner's …

Why some WNBA players are electing against international play this offseason: ‘Sometimes it’s just not worth it’
2 years, 1 month ago

Why some WNBA players are electing against international play this offseason: ‘Sometimes it’s just not worth it’

New York Times  

In No Offseason, The Athletic follows the paths of women’s basketball players after their WNBA seasons’ end and their travels begin. She played in 30 games in her first WNBA season, then did what most women’s basketball players in her situation do and crossed the Atlantic Ocean for her third season in a calendar year. It’s also no secret the …

Griner has begun serving sentence in Russian penal colony
2 years, 1 month ago

Griner has begun serving sentence in Russian penal colony

LA Times  

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner has begun serving her nine-year sentence for drug possession at a Russian penal colony, her lawyers and agent said Thursday, Nov. 17. WNBA star Brittney Griner has begun serving her nine-year sentence for drug possession at a Russian penal colony, her lawyers and agent said Thursday. Griner was transferred to a …

Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Griner’s release
2 years, 1 month ago

Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Griner’s release

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he hopes Russian President Vladimir Putin will be more willing to negotiate the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner now that the U.S. midterm elections are over. “Every minute that Brittney Griner must endure wrongful detention in Russia is a minute too long,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “As we …

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Moved to Penal Colony in Russia
2 years, 1 month ago

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Moved to Penal Colony in Russia

News 18  

The jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner has been moved to a penal colony in Russia, her legal team said Wednesday. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Every minute that Brittney Griner must endure wrongful detention in Russia is a minute too long. As the Administration continues to work tirelessly to secure her release, the President has directed the …

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