Brittney Griner, a renowned basketball player, gained widespread attention following a significant incident on February 17, 2022, during her trip to Russia. While preparing to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the off-season from the Phoenix Mercury, Griner was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport when authorities discovered marijuana vape cartridges in her luggage.
She was arrested and taken to a detention facility. Despite admitting her mistake and pleading guilty, Griner received a nine-year sentence in a penal colony known as IK-2. Her imprisonment was marked by terrible living conditions, ill-treatment from guards, and long days spent sewing military uniforms.
After enduring ten months in captivity, Griner was released thanks to a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, landing in San Antonio, Texas, on December 9, 2022. She was subsequently taken to Brooke Army Medical Center, where she received professional assistance in readjusting to life. Though her previous life had changed, Griner made the choice to move forward and follow her ambitions. Here’s a look at what she is experiencing now.
More than a year post-release, Griner shared her experiences during her first in-depth interview, which aired in May 2024 with Robin Roberts on “20/20.” She described the overwhelming fear she felt upon receiving her sentence of nine years.
Upon reaching the IK-2 penal colony, her situation worsened. She described the horrific living situation, including a bloodstained mattress and the absence of basic hygiene items. “That was the moment where I felt less than a human,” Griner disclosed, even admitting that she contemplated suicide.
In subsequent interviews with various media outlets, she expressed how being separated from her family and missing cherished moments deeply impacted her. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, my parents might not be here when I get out,” she said emotionally. Addressing her feelings about the continued inquiries regarding her past, Griner shared that while she doesn’t mind discussing it, she hopes to reach a point where it no longer evokes intense emotions.
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Aside from interviews, Griner transformed her challenging experiences into a memoir titled “Coming Home,” which The Washington Post praised as an engaging read. Co-authored with Michelle Burford, a former editor of “O, The Oprah Magazine,” the book was released in May 2024 and provides a detailed account of her arrest, time in detention, and eventual return home.
Although revisiting such painful memories wasn’t easy, Griner felt compelled to share her journey in hopes of supporting others who might face similar challenges. With encouragement from her counselor, she recognized the significance of sharing her story. “You’re not writing it for the critics,” she said, “You’re really writing it for the people that are still [being held] overseas.”
In her memoir, she recounts various experiences, from discovering that her cellmate was a spy, to being undressed and photographed by male guards, and relying on a sudoku book and the Bible for mental relief. She even mentions her cravings for cigarettes during her confinement.
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“I was overwhelmed by the smoke—I could even smell it through my pores,” she noted. Griner explained that her choice to plead guilty stemmed from the realization that “submitting to authority was the quickest route to returning home.” “I was willing to do anything to reunite with my family,” she stated.
Return to Basketball
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Just five months after her much-publicized return, Brittney Griner experienced another touching moment—this time on the basketball court. In April 2024, she rejoined the Phoenix Mercury and kicked off her 11th season with an impressive comeback. By May, she played her first game in nearly two years as the Mercury faced the Los Angeles Sparks. The supportive LA fans welcomed her with loud cheers and a standing ovation. Griner reflected on this cherished moment, stating to ESPN, “Returning to basketball was a special experience that I never thought I’d have again. I value every moment much more now.”
A few days later, she had her first home game in 585 days. Overwhelmed with emotion, Griner fought back tears as the audience erupted in cheers, and she delivered an outstanding performance with the highest stats in points, rebounds, and blocks. Additionally, Griner found a new venture in the off-season by joining Unrivaled Basketball in October 2024, a 3-on-3 league started by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier aiming for a launch in 2025.
While Brittney was imprisoned, she couldn’t communicate frequently with her wife, Cherelle Griner. Nonetheless, the couple exchanged letters and Cherelle tirelessly advocated for Brittney’s release. As an attorney, she faced many challenging days filled with hopelessness, yet she continued her efforts, even engaging with President Biden on several occasions, as she shared with People.
Following their heartfelt reunion, the Griners—who met at Baylor and wed in 2019—quickly advanced their family plans. By April 2024, Cherelle announced via Instagram that they were expecting a child, joyfully stating, “We’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite little person.”
In July, Griner proudly confirmed on “We Need to Talk” that their baby boy, Bash, was born. She expressed her happiness, proclaiming, “He’s incredible,” and delightfully noted that her new title was “Pops.” Although she anticipated the challenge of leaving to play basketball, Griner spoke about the immediate bond with her son, noting, “They say when you first see them, everything that once mattered fades away, and that was entirely true for me.”
Following Griner’s return to the WNBA, her safety while traveling became a priority. She received full-time security and permission for charter flights; however, in July 2023, an incident occurred when YouTuber Alex Stein confronted her at the airport.
Stein, identified as a right-wing provocateur by the WNBA, confronted Griner with inappropriate questions regarding her time in Russia. Though security swiftly intervened, Griner expressed her distress, criticizing the league’s travel policies and stating that the team could not use charter flights until after the incident. “It’s unfortunate that it took such an extreme event for changes to occur,” she lamented, according to ESPN. “Playing this waiting game is risky; it’s a matter of people’s lives.”
Sadly, the negativity she faced was not a one-time event. In an interview with ESPN in May 2024, Griner revealed that upon returning home, she began receiving hostile letters blaming her for the exclusion of American Paul Whelan.
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Brittney Griner Reflects on Hurtful Comments
Brittney Griner expressed deep frustration over being labeled as unpatriotic, particularly given her father’s service in the Vietnam War. She highlighted how the accusation stung, saying, “If I hated America, I wouldn’t be here.”
Brittney Griner Shines at the Paris Olympics
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Brittney Griner achieved gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding to her previous wins at the 2016 and 2020 Games. The experience was unique and emotional for her, as she teared up on the podium during the national anthem, feeling grateful to have brought home the gold after her ordeal. “My country fought for me, and there’s no greater feeling,” she shared.
This event marked her first international travel post-incarceration, and Griner expressed anticipation about participating in the Olympics on her terms, reflecting on her previous overseas career not concluding as she had hoped.
Celebrating the Release of American Prisoners
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Upon her release, Griner hoped fellow detainee Paul Whelan would also be rescued. She was dismayed when he wasn’t included in the swap but was later overjoyed when he was freed alongside other Americans. “It’s a great day,” she remarked, expressing happiness for the families reunited after their long ordeal. Griner emphasized the ongoing need to advocate for other detained Americans.
Addressing Racism from NBA Fans
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The WNBA experienced record popularity in 2024, but this also brought an uptick in racial slurs from certain fans. Griner spoke out against such hatred, denouncing the negative behavior directed at her and her fellow players. Her statements resonated within the league, prompting the WNBA to firmly reject any form of racist commentary from fans.
Facing On-Court Controversy and Online Hate
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Despite her ten-time All-Star status, Griner faced controversy during a game in September 2024 against the Los Angeles Sparks after an altercation with Rickea Jackson. After being ejected, Griner encountered harassment online, including insults referencing her time in Russia. She responded to critics directly, defending herself fiercely on social media.
Sophia Michaels
