Even though she endured a life-changing ordeal in Russia a few years ago, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner still managed to make it back to the global stage as part of Team USA. This prompted WNBA star Diana Taurasi to express support during this special moment of her career.
Griner was detained in Russia in February 2022 on drug-related charges. The Phoenix Mercury star was traveling to rejoin her Russian club team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, when customs officials alleged that they found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage.
The Mercury center’s arrest came just a week before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns about the geopolitical implications of her case. After nearly 10 months in Russian custody, she was sentenced to nine years in prison. In November 2022, she was transferred to a Russian penal colony, where she faced harsh conditions, including a blood-stained mattress, expired toothpaste, and the need to cut her dreadlocks due to the frigid temperatures.
The U.S. government eventually designated Griner as “wrongfully detained” and negotiated a prisoner swap with Russia, leading to her release in exchange for the Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022. Her ordeal has brought attention to the challenges faced by American athletes competing abroad and the broader geopolitical tensions that can impact the Olympic Games.
WNBA Star Diana Taurasi Expresses Support For Brittney Griner’s Team USA Comeback After Detention in Russia
Right before Team USA takes the global stage in Paris, Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi expressed her support for Griner and the center’s Team USA return. According to an article by Dan Wetzel for Yahoo Sports, Grinner’s journey back to the Olympics has never been done before.
“What BG has gone through in the last couple of years is obviously unprecedented,” Taurasi said. “For her to be able to put this jersey back on, to be at Opening Ceremonies last night. … I know she feels grateful, thankful.”
Along with Griner and Taurasi, New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, and Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum, among others, are part of the United States’ roster in Paris. Team USA is aiming to defend their gold medal win back during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
While most people would falter at what Grinner has experienced, the WNBA star has fought through the challenge to reach this point of her career. If she and Team USA finishes with a gold around their necks, the Mercury star’s journey will be sweeter.
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