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 a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA. Griner’s ability to block shots and her agility on the court helped her win the WNBA defensive player of the year in consecutive seasons and earned her a spot on the WNBA’s all-defensive team six times — three each on first and second teams. A testament to Griner’s impact: the Mercury went 15-21 while she was detained during the 2022 season after reaching the WNBA finals the year before.

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History of this topic

Inside the numbers: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the WNBA rookie of the year race
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Inside the numbers: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the WNBA rookie of the year race

Associated Press  

WNBA award voters, regardless of who they pick, will be able to say the following when it comes time to choose between Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and Chicago’s Angel Reese in this season’s rookie of the year balloting: “She did things the league has never seen before.” The latest examples of that came Friday night, when Clark and Reese went head …

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 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 …

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 dunks, Taurasi gets hot in fourth quarter and Mercury pull out 78-72 win over Sparks
1 year, 5 months ago

Griner dunks, Taurasi gets hot in fourth quarter and Mercury pull out 78-72 win over Sparks

Associated Press  

PHOENIX — Brittney Griner scored 29 points, including her 25th dunk as a professional, and the Phoenix Mercury held on for a 78-72 win over the Los Angeles Sparks in a matchup between two struggling teams on Sunday. Diana Taurasi added 12 of her 22 in the fourth quarter to put her less than 100 points from 10,000 in her …

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 …

‘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 …

‘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, 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 …

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’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 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 | 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 …

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 players honor Brittney Griner at All-Star game
2 years, 5 months ago

WNBA players honor Brittney Griner at All-Star game

CBS News  

A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and the rest of the WNBA All-Stars lined up along the sideline after halftime, the No. Brittney Griner was everywhere Sunday, everywhere except where the league's best players felt she should be: playing in the marquee WNBA All-Star Game, in which Team Wilson pulled away from Team Stewart for a 134-112 victory. Cherelle Griner, wife of …

Brittney Griner is the focus of WNBA All-Star weekend
2 years, 5 months ago

Brittney Griner is the focus of WNBA All-Star weekend

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles are playing in the WNBA All-Star Game for the last time. “I think for all of us, we just want to always keep BG’s name at the forefront in everything we do,” Bird said. Bird said she didn’t get any “personal time” with President Joe Biden, but she said Rapinoe “has taken the …

Ogwumike, WNBA continue push for Brittney Griner’s release
2 years, 5 months ago

Ogwumike, WNBA continue push for Brittney Griner’s release

Associated Press  

CHICAGO — Brittney Griner is “the fun aunt,” according to Nneka Ogwumike. Speaking Friday ahead of the WNBA’s All-Star festivities in Chicago, Ogwumike focused more on Griner’s humanity than her playing ability as the league continued to push for Griner’s release from her detention in Russia. “BG, Brittney Griner, is an American hero,” said Ogwumike, an All-Star forward for the …

WNBA names Brittney Griner as honorary All-Star starter
2 years, 6 months ago

WNBA names Brittney Griner as honorary All-Star starter

Al Jazeera  

Russian state-run news agency Tass reported that Griner’s detention was extended until at least July 2. Brittney Griner, the US basketball star detained in Russia for months, will have a place at the Women’s National Basketball Association’s All-Star Game as an honorary starter. So, it is only fitting that she be named as an honorary starter today and we continue …

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with league-wide floor decals
2 years, 7 months ago

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with league-wide floor decals

Associated Press  

The WNBA will honor Phoenix star Brittney Griner with a floor decal and allow the Mercury to pay her without it counting against the team’s salary cap, the league announced Tuesday. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.” The league …

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with decal on teams’ floors
2 years, 7 months ago

WNBA to honor Brittney Griner with decal on teams’ floors

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner sits during the first half of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky on Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. The WNBA will honor Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner with a floor decal, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press on Monday night. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced at the WNBA …

Support for Griner at WNBA draft as Howard goes to Atlanta
2 years, 8 months ago

Support for Griner at WNBA draft as Howard goes to Atlanta

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Moments before Rhyne Howard went to Atlanta with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is working very hard to help bring Brittney Griner back to the United States. “I want to take a moment to reiterate the WNBA’s support for Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner,” Engelbert said before the …

Brittney Griner’s teammates break silence amid Russia detention
2 years, 8 months ago

Brittney Griner’s teammates break silence amid Russia detention

Al Jazeera  

USA Basketball teammates express support for Griner after weeks in detention, say, ‘It could have been any of us’. Brittney Griner’s teammates have broken their silence amid the US basketball player’s continued detention in Russia, saying they are hopeful that everything is being done to get her home safely. “We’re not talking about BG the basketball player, we’re talking about …

WNBA players break silence on Brittney Griner
2 years, 8 months ago

WNBA players break silence on Brittney Griner

Associated Press  

MINNEAPOLIS — Two of Brittney Griner’s USA Basketball teammates have broken their silence on the star player’s imprisonment in Russia. Most WNBA players have been hesitant to talk about Griner’s detention on apparent drug charges in Russia, hoping to avoid potentially hurting her case. “WNBA players need to be valued in their country and they won’t have to play overseas.” …

Detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner extended to May 19, Russian media reports
2 years, 9 months ago

Detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner extended to May 19, Russian media reports

LA Times  

A Moscow court has extended the arrest of WNBA star Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency Tass. “The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass. The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognizable players …

WNBA’s Brittney Griner arrest extended to May 19: Russian media
2 years, 9 months ago

WNBA’s Brittney Griner arrest extended to May 19: Russian media

Al Jazeera  

Russia’s TASS news agency says a court near Moscow announced it has extended the detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner. A court near Moscow has extended the detention of WNBA star Brittney Griner until May 19, according to the Russian state news agency TASS. “The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the …

Brittney Griner, the US basketball star at risk of being a political pawn in Russia-Ukraine conflict
2 years, 9 months ago

Brittney Griner, the US basketball star at risk of being a political pawn in Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Telegraph  

WNBA and USA basketball star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for almost a month on drug charges. The Russia Federal Customs Service confirmed in a statement on March 5 that an American national had been detained, and said a service dog at Sheremetyevo Airport indicated that drugs may be in her carry-on luggage, and the hashish oil was …

What Brittney Griner’s quiet face is saying to the world
2 years, 9 months ago

What Brittney Griner’s quiet face is saying to the world

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in ethics and political values and the founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is also a professor of history. CNN — The news that Brittney Griner, the 6-foot-9 …

Brittney Griner: Why so many WNBA stars play basketball overseas
2 years, 9 months ago

Brittney Griner: Why so many WNBA stars play basketball overseas

CNN  

CNN — For many years, WNBA players have regularly gone overseas during the WNBA’s off-season to make the most of the higher salaries they can earn in international leagues. “Like many athletes competing in the WNBA, Griner plays abroad during the WNBA offseason because her salary is exponentially higher in other countries,” Spruill wrote on the petition’s page. “For WNBA …

It’ll be ‘very difficult’ to get detained US basketball star Brittney Griner out of Russia, lawmaker says
2 years, 9 months ago

It’ll be ‘very difficult’ to get detained US basketball star Brittney Griner out of Russia, lawmaker says

CNN  

CNN — For days, family and friends have been clamoring for the release of two-time Olympic champion Brittney Griner after she was detained in Russia on drug charges. Russia’s Interfax News Agency quoted a statement from the Customs Service, which did not identify the traveler by name: “As a US citizen was passing through the green channel at Sheremetyevo Airport …

WNBA star Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges
2 years, 9 months ago

WNBA star Brittney Griner arrested in Russia on drug charges

LA Times  

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, shown fending off Chicago Sky’s Stefanie Dolson in the WNBA Finals last season, was arrested in Russia on drug charges last month. WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia last month at a Moscow airport after a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. “We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in …

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