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 not think any of us will forget where we were on Dec. 8 when we heard BG was coming home or on Dec. 15 when she announced she intended not only to play basketball in 2023 but that it would be for the Mercury,” Mercury President of Business Operations Vince Kozar said. To know BG is to love and appreciate BG, and we can’t wait to show her that in person with thousands and thousands of her biggest supporters exactly three months from today at our Welcome Home Opener.” She skipped a USA Basketball training camp earlier this month, but the organization made it clear she could take all the time she needed to decide if she wanted to play for the U.S. again. “We are very cognizant of BG’s unique situation,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told the AP earlier this month.

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History of this topic

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 …

Brittney Griner won’t travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team says
1 year, 4 months ago

Brittney Griner won’t travel for next 2 games to focus on her mental health, team says

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury say All-Star center Brittney Griner will not travel for the team’s next two games so she can focus on her mental health. The 6-foot-9 center — who became an international story during her 10-month detainment in Russia last year — is averaging 18.2 points and 6.7 rebounds over 20 games this season. Griner’s impressive individual …

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 …

Griner returns to Mercury lineup after missing three games
1 year, 6 months ago

Griner returns to Mercury lineup after missing three games

Associated Press  

SEATTLE — Brittney Griner believes her voice is being heard when it comes to safer and better travel conditions for herself, her team, and the other players in the WNBA. “It feels good being back on the court – I hate missing games, I hate being hurt or down with anything,” said Griner, who had 11 points and six rebounds …

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 misses 2nd straight game for Mercury with hip injury
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner misses 2nd straight game for Mercury with hip injury

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — 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 the Mercury’s first game in New York since Griner was detained in Russia for nearly 10 months last year. She’s an inspiration to really everybody and I’m just happy she’s home safe.” …

WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flights
1 year, 6 months ago

WNBA working with Brittney Griner and Mercury on travel options including charter flights

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The WNBA is working with Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on travel options including charter flights going forward. Griner’s travel was back in the spotlight last week when the team took a flight to Texas and then Indiana, requiring Griner and her Mercury teammates to go through commercial airports. While going through a Dallas airport last …

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 …

Phoenix Mercury still evaluating travel plans after Griner was harassed at airport
1 year, 6 months ago

Phoenix Mercury still evaluating travel plans after Griner was harassed at airport

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury’s first two road trips have put the travel issues facing her and the league back in the spotlight. For the Mercury’s season-opening weekend trip to Los Angeles the team traveled on a business jet that didn’t require the Phoenix travel party to go through the commercial part of the airport. League officials were talking …

Phoenix Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Brittney Griner
1 year, 6 months ago

Phoenix Mercury make travel ‘adjustments’ following airport incident with Brittney Griner

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard had one goal before taking the court Sunday. One day after Mercury center Brittney Griner was confronted by a “provocateur” at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the two coaches and a handful of players suggested more charter flights could help prevent any future run-ins with outsiders. Longtime star Diana Taurasi’s pregame advice to Griner …

Brittney Griner, Mercury teammates confronted at airport by ‘provocateur,’ WNBA says
1 year, 6 months ago

Brittney Griner, Mercury teammates confronted at airport by ‘provocateur,’ WNBA says

Associated Press  

DALLAS — Brittney Griner and her Phoenix Mercury teammates were confronted by a “provocateur” at a Dallas airport on Saturday. The WNBA said in a statement it was looking into the team’s run-in with a “social media figure” whose “actions were inappropriate and unfortunate.” “The safety of Brittney Griner and all WNBA players is our top priority,” the league said, …

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 …

Tynes: Brittney Griner is still fighting to complete her comeback
1 year, 7 months ago

Tynes: Brittney Griner is still fighting to complete her comeback

LA Times  

Well, I am here, as Ms. Griner requested of us. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner warms up before playing the Sparks on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner warms up Friday before her first WNBA regular-season game since she was detained in Russia. Sights & sounds from BG’s first half back on the court 🗣️ #BGisBack pic.twitter.com/1v6hRSmbBf …

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 …

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

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

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — 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 …

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 gets emotional discussing Russian detainment
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Hope bounced around Brittney Griner like a buoy and an anchor. “A LOT of media in here today.” Griner gained international attention in February 2022, when she was arrested after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. “I’m no stranger to hard times,” Griner said, fighting back tears. “Walking around town …

Brittney Griner’s remarkable joyfulness: ‘I believe in me, I believe in what I can do’
1 year, 7 months ago

Brittney Griner’s remarkable joyfulness: ‘I believe in me, I believe in what I can do’

New York Times  

PHOENIX — During the 2022 Phoenix Mercury season, coach Vanessa Nygaard often spoke about a heaviness that engulfed her team. Griner feigned ignorance about how to navigate the new setup, saying, “I play basketball, I don’t do this.” Having Griner return home from her detainment in Russia felt like a miracle. “You’re going to be faced with adversities … This …

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

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's return to Phoenix Mercury is official
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner's return to Phoenix Mercury is official

Daily Mail  

The deal comes just two months on from her release from a Russian prison camp Brittney Griner has completed her return to Phoenix Mercury, just two months on from her release from a Russian prison camp. 'It's a great day for all of us to announce that Brittney Griner has officially signed to play for the Mercury in 2023,' Mercury …

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 re-signs with Phoenix Mercury on 1-year deal
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury on 1-year deal

New York Times  

Free-agent center Brittney Griner signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury, the team announced Tuesday. BG will be back in a Phoenix Mercury jersey this season 💜 — Phoenix Mercury February 21, 2023 What they’re saying “It’s a great day for all of us to announce that Brittney Griner has officially signed to play for the Mercury in 2023,” …

Brittney Griner absent from USA camp, but keeping in touch
1 year, 10 months ago

Brittney Griner absent from USA camp, but keeping in touch

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner texted her good friend Diana Taurasi on Tuesday 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 …

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’ll play basketball in Arizona again
2 years ago

Brittney Griner says she’ll play basketball in Arizona again

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner said she’s “grateful” to be back in the United States and plans on playing basketball again next season for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. After months of strained negotiations, and an extraordinarily rare public revelation by the Biden administration that it had made a “substantial proposal” to bring home Griner and another detained American, Paul Whelan, the case resolved …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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