“Really emotional. I can’t tell you what this means to, I think, the whole WNBA community to have her home safely. Basketball aside, by the ay, this was just really emotional.”
Words by WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, shared earlier today after the news of Brittney Griner’s long-awaited release from a Russian prison. These words echo the sentiment across social media — FINALLY! She’s coming home!
Detained back in February, the Houston native, and WNBA star has finally been released from Russian custody in a prisoner swap initiated by President Joe Biden.
Moments ago I spoke with Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” Biden shared in Tweet after a morning press conference took place. Arrested in a Moscow airport nearly a year ago for carrying vape canisters and cannabis oil in her luggage, Griner’s release seemed nearly impossible. The Russian government handed Griner a nine year prison sentence for “smuggling illegal drugs.”
After MONTHS of talks, negotiations, and with family, fans, and friends losing hope amidst all the chaos, she is finally coming home. So, what was the deal Biden and his administration gave to the Russians? Griner’s release was negotiated in exchange for the release of the Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, aka the “Merchant of Death.”
While yes, this is amazing news, there is, of course, backlash, after learning that the deal did not include retired U.S. Marine, Paul Whelan. “This was not a choice of which American to bring home. Sadly, for totally illegitimate reasons, Russia is treating Paul’s case differently than Brittney’s. And while we have not yet succeeded in securing Paul’s release, we are not giving up,” stated Biden.
Looking back at the timeline since Griner’s arrest, we’ve only been slightly aware of the conditions she’s been in, physically and mentally. Surely, the suffering she’s endured throughout this time is unimaginable, given the history that the Russian regime has with its prisoners. Here at Urban Magazine, we are happy to learn of Brittney Griner’s release right before the holidays – to be with loved ones, and hopefully, to have time to process and heal from this traumatic experience. Welcome home Brittney!
After 294 days of tireless work… Our friend, sister, loved one, Brittney Griner is FREE. We love you BG 🧡 pic.twitter.com/UQ7PARbVhg
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
The same Trumpers who are losing their minds right now because Biden freed a single Russian arms dealer in exchange for the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner didn’t say a peep when Trump freed over 5,000 Taliban prisoners. You really can’t make this sh*t up…
— Omar Rivero (@OmarRiverosays) December 8, 2022
The big thing that shouldn’t be lost in the Brittney Griner release is that the WNBA needs to pay players more money. Because those athletes shouldn’t have to go to a second country just to make a living wage. Let this be a lesson that’s not lost in the madness.
— Will (@WilliamRichJr) December 8, 2022
