‘Day of joy’ as Brittney Griner returns to WNBA
1 year, 10 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 she is gone,” Nygaard said in pre-game remarks. It’s a miracle that she’s here and everyone going to see this game today is going to witness a miracle that she’s returned from a Russian jail and is playing basketball in the WNBA again.” Celebrities at courtside on Friday included tennis legend Billie Jean King, Los Angeles Lakers icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson and current Lakers head coach Darvin Ham. “That was so difficult for you because a team is a team — that’s family.” WNBA players union chief and Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike thanked Harris and the Biden administration for helping to secure Griner’s release.

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History of this topic

Brittney Griner to test the market for the first time in career as WNBA free agency opens
2 months, 1 week ago

Brittney Griner to test the market for the first time in career as WNBA free agency opens

Associated Press  

MIAMI — Brittney Griner is testing the free agent market for the first time in her career. “I want to show off my skills for free agency,” Griner said of playing in the new league, which seems to be dominated more by guards and wings then post players. Unrivaled has some of the top unrestricted free agents, like Griner and …

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who played in Russia after Brittney Griner’s arrest
10 months, 3 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
10 months, 3 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 still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book
10 months, 3 weeks ago

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

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “You want to get exposure and that keeps it …

Brittney Griner book review: Coming Home is a moving memoir about the WNBA star’s detention in Russia.
10 months, 3 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
10 months, 4 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
10 months, 4 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 …

Brittney Griner reflects on ‘lapse’ over cannabis vape that led Russian jail time
11 months ago

Brittney Griner reflects on ‘lapse’ over cannabis vape that led Russian jail time

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 WNBA star Brittney Griner …

Disney and ESPN join hands to portray WNBA star Brittney Griner's Russian detainment
1 year, 3 months 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 …

Brittney Griner receives season-long WNBA Cares Community Assist Award
1 year, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner receives season-long WNBA Cares Community Assist Award

New York Times  

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner received the WNBA’s season-long WNBA Cares Community Assist Award, the league announced Friday. The WNBA said that Griner received Friday’s award, in part, because of her continued work in “championing the safe return of wrongful detainees overseas” since returning. “Things don’t happen to us, but they happen for us.” GO DEEPER 'Your life can get …

Griner’s WNBA return not a fairytale, but there were still plenty of joyful moments
1 year, 6 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 Dominates In Emotional Return To The WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner Dominates In Emotional Return To The WNBA All-Star Game

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LAS VEGAS — Brittney Griner made an emphatic and emotional return to the WNBA’s mid-season showcase event. “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 Loyd …

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 8 months ago

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

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It's really inspiring to see what she’s doing and …

Brittney Griner surprised herself with making the WNBA All-Star Game
1 year, 8 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,” …

‘Your life can get back to normal’: How Brittney Griner’s return to WNBA inspires former detainees
1 year, 8 months ago

‘Your life can get back to normal’: How Brittney Griner’s return to WNBA inspires former detainees

New York Times  

On July 4, 2022, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner sent a letter to President Joe Biden. “I think the message sent to the hostage community is that when you do get out of this, your life can go back to normal, or it can be better,” says Osman Khan, who spent 249 days detained in Venezuela in a matter unrelated …

Brittney Griner misses second straight game with hip injury
1 year, 9 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, 9 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.” …

Brittney Griner is honored in Washington despite missing Mercury’s game with a hip injury
1 year, 9 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, 9 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 …

WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return
1 year, 10 months ago

WNBA opening weekend highlighted by Griner’s return

The Hindu  

The WNBA tipped off its 27th season this past weekend with the return of Brittney Griner, a historic effort by Breanna Stewart and a dominant performance by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. The Sky, which lost four of its five starters from last season’s team, had impressive road wins over Minnesota and the Mercury playing stellar defense. GRINER WATCH …

‘A day of joy': Brittney Griner makes WNBA season debut after being jailed in Russia
1 year, 10 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 …

WNBA: Brittney Griner greeted by US VP Harris in return to court
1 year, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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 …

In Brittney Griner’s return, Sparks dominate Mercury in season opener
1 year, 10 months ago

In Brittney Griner’s return, Sparks dominate Mercury in season opener

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner applauds on the court before playing against the Sparks in the WNBA season opener for both teams Friday at Crypto.com Arena. “An incredible environment and a special night,” said Miller, who called his first game as the Sparks head coach “surreal.” “Not only for the new era of the Sparks and the ‘23 season, but …

Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury set to tip off WNBA season after her return from detainment in Russia
1 year, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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, 10 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, 11 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 …

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment
1 year, 11 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 gets emotional discussing Russian detainment
1 year, 11 months ago

Brittney Griner gets emotional discussing Russian detainment

The Hindu  

Brittney Griner got emotional quickly. “I’m no stranger to hard times,” Griner said Thursday from the lobby of the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. I just relied on my hard work to get through it.” Griner’s first news conference drew more than 100 people, including Arizona Gov. Griner was arrested in February 2022 …

Watch: Brittney Griner holds first news conference since Russia prison release
1 year, 11 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, 11 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, 11 months ago

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Saying she is ready to …

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian captivity
1 year, 11 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, 11 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, 11 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 working on memoir about Russian detainment, ‘an unfathomable period in my life’
1 year, 11 months ago

Brittney Griner working on memoir about Russian detainment, ‘an unfathomable period in my life’

New York Times  

WNBA star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir detailing her arrest and detainment in a Russian prison. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by BG Like many WNBA players, Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury, …

Brittney Griner re-signs with Phoenix Mercury
2 years, 1 month 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
2 years, 1 month 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 absent from USA camp, but keeping in touch
2 years, 1 month 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
2 years, 1 month 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 asks supporters to advocate for Paul Whelan
2 years, 3 months ago

Brittney Griner asks supporters to advocate for Paul Whelan

Associated Press  

Brittney Griner has asked her supporters in a social media post to advocate for Paul Whelan, a former Marine serving a 16-year prison term in Russia for espionage charges the United States are baseless. The U.S. had sought to secure the release of both Whelan and Griner — the WNBA star detained at a Moscow airport in February for having …

Brittney Griner prisoner swap AP Sports Story of the Year
2 years, 3 months ago

Brittney Griner prisoner swap AP Sports Story of the Year

Associated Press  

The return of Brittney Griner to the United States in a dramatic prisoner swap with Russia marked the culmination of a 10-month ordeal that captivated world attention, a saga that landed at the intersection of sports, politics, race and gender identity — and wartime diplomacy. “I think her celebrity and the coinciding with the time of the invasion of Ukraine, …

Brittney Griner says she’ll play basketball in Arizona again
2 years, 3 months 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 …

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