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,” Griner said. “It’s really inspiring to see what she’s doing and the way that she carries herself,” said team captain Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty. And the way that she’s able to to be a force on the court, she’s one of one, and we’re happy that she’s back with us.” Griner said she not only didn’t think she would be at this year’s All-Star Game, but that she would still be stuck in Russia. “Still seeing pictures from things that I didn’t see that were done at last All-Star, so I’m still getting caught up on everything,” Griner said.

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History of this topic

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 makes long-awaited return to Baylor
10 months ago

Brittney Griner makes long-awaited return to Baylor

New York Times  

WACO, Texas — At halftime of Baylor’s game against Texas Tech on Sunday, fans took part in a dunk contest. Twelve years after she played her last game in a Bears uniform, Baylor finally retired Griner’s No. Collen and Baylor were also adamant that the game be nationally televised, as a player of Griner’s caliber deserved the biggest stage, even …

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 …

Why Brittney Griner’s presence on the court makes the WNBA stronger
1 year, 5 months ago

Why Brittney Griner’s presence on the court makes the WNBA stronger

New York Times  

LAS VEGAS — Brittney Griner picked up Chelsea Gray before the Aces point guard crossed the half-court line. Griner added another dunk in the second half en route to her team’s 143-127 blowout win, but she relished more in simply being around these players after missing so many months in their presence. “To be able to share this moment with, …

Brittney Griner makes an emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner makes an emotional and dominant return to record-setting WNBA All-Star Game

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner made an emphatic and emotional return to the WNBA’s midseason showcase event. They have never wavered in their support.” Griner led Team Stewart, captained by the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, to a 143-127 victory over Team Wilson, led by the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson. Team Stewart’s Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm broke the All-Star Game …

Brittney Griner relishing latest All-Star Game experience
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner relishing latest All-Star Game experience

The Hindu  

A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are serving as captains at the WNBA All-Star Game for the second consecutive year, but the biggest spotlight of Saturday’s main event in Las Vegas undoubtedly will be on Brittney Griner. READ:Las Vegas is the center of the basketball world ahead of the WNBA All-Star Game “It’s a great feeling to be here,” Griner said. …

Brittney Griner makes emotional return as Team Stewart prevails in WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner makes emotional return as Team Stewart prevails in WNBA All-Star Game

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner acknowledges the crowd while being introduced before the start of the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday. “Everyone sending the letters and the love meant a lot to me.” Griner led Team Stewart, captained by the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, to a 143-127 over Team Wilson, led by the Aces’ A’ja Wilson. Team Stewart’s Jewell …

WNBA: Griner chosen as an All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again
1 year, 5 months ago

WNBA: Griner chosen as an All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner will be starting in the WNBA All-Star Game a year after she was an honorary choice by the league while she was being detained in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury’s center was chosen by fans, media and players Sunday for her ninth All-Star game. pic.twitter.com/1Io4944w8x — Phoenix Mercury June 25, 2023 A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were the top …

Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again
1 year, 5 months ago

Griner chosen as an WNBA All-Star starter with Wilson and Stewart captains again

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Brittney Griner will be starting in the WNBA All-Star Game a year after she was an honorary choice by the league while she was being detained in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury’s center was chosen by fans, media and players Sunday for her ninth All-Star game. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart were the top voter getters among fans …

Brittney Griner misses second straight game with hip injury
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner misses second straight game with hip injury

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner sat on the bench in warmups for the second straight game, sidelined by a hip injury she suffered earlier this week. It was Griner’s first game in New York since being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months last year. That’s how special she is so it was wonderful.” The Liberty showed a video package showcasing Griner and …

Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury’s game with a hip injury
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury’s game with a hip injury

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Brittney Griner waved to fans who applauded her as she walked onto the court, embraced Elena Della Donne and signed an autograph before taking a seat on the bench. A hip injury prevented Griner from playing for the Phoenix Mercury against the Washington Mystics on Friday night. “That was a hard time for all of us,” said Washington …

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 …

Texas homecoming for Griner in WNBA star’s 1st game there since Russian release
1 year, 6 months ago

Texas homecoming for Griner in WNBA star’s 1st game there since Russian release

Associated Press  

ARLINGTON, Texas — Brittney Griner had a Texas homecoming, in private and on the court with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA star’s home state six months after her release from a Russian prison. And like she told me, she goes, it’s all happiness from here.” Griner also shared hugs with Wings players Odyssey Sims and Kalani Brown, both former …

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner won the opening tip and ran to her familiar spot in the low post. “BG is somebody that can handle so many things clearly that many people could not handle.” Griner received a warm reception in her lone preseason game and again in the Mercury’s season opener at the Los Angeles Sparks. Many fans wore Griner’s 42 jersey …

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets rousing welcome in Phoenix home game after release from Russian prison

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner won the opening tip and ran to her familiar spot in the low post. “BG is somebody that can handle so many things clearly that many people could not handle.” Griner received a warm reception in her lone preseason game and again in the Mercury’s season opener at the Los Angeles Sparks. Many fans wore Griner’s …

‘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 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 …

Brittney Griner: ‘I’m never going overseas to play again.’ She’ll make one exception
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner: ‘I’m never going overseas to play again.’ She’ll make one exception

LA Times  

Brittney Griner is done playing overseas. Speaking to reporters for the first time since being released from Russian detainment in December, the Phoenix Mercury star said she will no longer play professional basketball in Russia or anywhere else outside of the U.S. “I’m never going overseas to play again, unless I’m representing my country at the Olympics,” said Griner, who …

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 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 opts out of USA basketball training camp
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner opts out of USA basketball training camp

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner texted Diana Taurasi on Tuesday morning asking how the USA Basketball training camp was going. She’ll find her footing.” Taurasi said the two talk regularly now that Griner is home in Phoenix. “And we knew, at the same time, the minute she got into that plane and we got to Phoenix, there was going to be a whole …

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 …

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 …

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, 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 …

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 …

NBA: Stephen Curry offers Warriors' support of WNBA star Brittney Griner
2 years, 2 months ago

NBA: Stephen Curry offers Warriors' support of WNBA star Brittney Griner

Firstpost  

Brittney Griner is awaiting a hearing in Russia later this month for her appeal of a nine-year prison sentence for drug possession. San Francisco: Stephen Curry took the microphone in the middle of Golden State’s championship ring ceremony Tuesday night to make an impassioned plea in support of Brittney Griner as the WNBA star spent her 32nd birthday in a …

Brittney Griner: Why was the basketball star was detained in Russia?
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner: Why was the basketball star was detained in Russia?

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. Pentagon official Evelyn Farkas has said she fears …

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 …

Brittney Griner recognized with WNBA moment of silence
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner recognized with WNBA moment of silence

Associated Press  

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Following Brittney Griner’s sentencing in Russia to nine years in prison Thursday, WNBA players, coaches and fans locked arms and tried to send the American basketball star strength during a moment of silence. “Nobody wanted to even play today,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who scored 16 points to lead the Mercury. “I mean, it’s like you’re …

Brittney Griner recognised with WNBA moment of silence
2 years, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner recognised with WNBA moment of silence

The Hindu  

Following Brittney Griner’s sentencing in Russia to nine years in prison on Thursday, WNBA players, coaches and fans locked arms and tried to send the American basketball star strength during a moment of silence. “Nobody wanted to even play today,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who scored 16 points to lead the Mercury. “I mean, it’s like you’re waiting for …

A Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years on drug charges
2 years, 4 months ago

A Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years on drug charges

NPR  

A Russian court sentences WNBA star Brittney Griner to 9 years on drug charges Enlarge this image toggle caption Evgenia Novozhenina/AFP via Getty Images Evgenia Novozhenina/AFP via Getty Images MOSCOW — A Russian court has found Brittney Griner guilty on drug smuggling and possession charges. In a statement released shortly after the verdict, President Biden called Griner's sentence "one more …

What we know about Brittney Griner’s 9-year Russian prison sentence and what comes next
2 years, 4 months ago

What we know about Brittney Griner’s 9-year Russian prison sentence and what comes next

New York Times  

WNBA star Brittney Griner was found guilty of drug smuggling and possession charges in Russia and sentenced to nine years in prison on Aug. 4. Her wife, Cherelle Griner, told “Good Morning America” in May how the WNBA’s lower pay than the NBA has impacted Brittney Griner’s life. She wrote: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with …

WNBA star, two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis charge
2 years, 4 months ago

WNBA star, two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis charge

The Hindu  

KHIMKI Brittney Griner was back in court on August 2 for her trial for cannabis possession amid U. S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release. If convicted, the WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Monday that Russia has made a “bad faith” response to …

WNBA's Brittney Griner Back in Russian Court as Trial Continues
2 years, 5 months ago

WNBA's Brittney Griner Back in Russian Court as Trial Continues

News 18  

American basketball star Brittney Griner faced a Russian court again on Friday as her drug possession trial resumed after she pleaded guilty to the charges. Griner was arrested at the Russian capitals Sheremetyevo Airport in February when customs officials said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Russian media have speculated that Griner could be swapped for …

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