Mercury, sports world react to Brittney Griner’s release
Dec 8, 2022, 10:07 AM | Updated: 11:08 am
Brittney Griner is on her way back to the United States after a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia freed her on the 294th day in prison.
In prison for carrying vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage back in February, Griner’s detainment had been labeled wrongful by the United States. The country swapped Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on Thursday.
“Miraculously, mercifully, the count of days detained has ended at 294, and our friend, our sister is headed back home where she belongs,” the Mercury said in a statement. “The emotions for our organization, just like for our fans and so many across the world, are those of joyous celebration, deep gratitude, grief for the time lost, and sincere hope for all families still awaiting the return of a loved one.
“BG’s strength in this process, her unwavering belief that resolution would come, and the hope she displayed every day is what kept all of us believing this day would come. We are eternally grateful for the combined work of President Biden and Vice President Harris and the Administration, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, to Cherelle Griner, Ray and Sandra Griner, Brittney’s agent Lindsay Colas, Brittney’s Russian counsel, the WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Players Association, and everyone – from players to fans to media – who kept Brittney’s story top-of-mind. The fight to bring her home has illustrated the power of the WNBA, its players, platform, and mission. We no longer have to Bring BG Home – she’s on her way.”
Speaking alongside U.S. President Joe Biden, Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner thanked the parties who helped push for Brittney’s release and added support for other Americans detained abroad, including Paul Whelan.
Whelan is a Michigan corporate security executive who has been jailed in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government has said are baseless.
Cherelle Griner has been incredible throughout this ordeal. She continues to speak eloquently on behalf of BG and others who are wrongfully detained in Russia. https://t.co/51eZgXvquA
— Rebecca Lobo (@RebeccaLobo) December 8, 2022
Griner’s Mercury teammates, including Brianna Turner, responded to the news of the release with several messages on Twitter.
Paul Whelan has been in Russian custody since 2018. This year Trevor Reed and Brittney Griner were released from Russia. While I’m so excited for BG, I’m also sending hope to Whelan’s family and other families of foreign detained Americans. Don’t lose hope. https://t.co/6OGBZtjS8S
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022
Most excited for Cherelle 🥹
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022
so happy for BG 🥹🫶🏾 just in time for the holidays
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) December 8, 2022
our sister BG is home🫶🏼 all praise to God! time to keep praying and fighting for other Americans being wrongfully imprisoned…. the fight isn’t over but we are thankful!
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) December 8, 2022
BG is coming home!!!!!🥺🥺🙏🏽🙏🏽🤍🤍
— Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) December 8, 2022
Went from FREE BG to BG is FREE!! Won’t he do it! 🙌🏾
— Shey Peddy (@SheyP11) December 8, 2022
WNBA stars and voices across women basketball expressed their excitement for Griner’s release.
The best news to start our day with: finally, our sister BG is coming home!!
So grateful for all those who tirelessly worked to make this happen. Welcome home, Brittney!!!!
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) December 8, 2022
BG is FREE!!! 294 days and she is coming home!!! 😭🤍🙏🏻❤️
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) December 8, 2022
God’s grace is SUFFICIENT! @brittneygriner is home! I love you BG!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) December 8, 2022
BG 🥹🙏🏽 God is so good
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) December 8, 2022
How bout Christmas miracles! God Is good! I’m so happy right now! BG free!!!! 🙌🏾😊🥹
— Jonquel Jones (@jus242) December 8, 2022
Helll yea!!!! BG is free!! ❤️❤️❤️
— Chelsea Gray (@cgray209) December 8, 2022
The commissioners from the WNBA and NBA, Engelbert and Silver, respectively released statements. So did Baylor University, where Griner played in college.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today issued the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/9QFqWIn1a4
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 8, 2022
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/Kynxlg3PZV
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 8, 2022
"Brittney Griner is a member of our Baylor Family, and we are extremely grateful that she is on her way back home to the United States. We praise God this day has finally come."
— Baylor President Linda Livingstone and Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades
(continued — 1/3) pic.twitter.com/uajMyZ6ATh
— Baylor University (@Baylor) December 8, 2022
"While we celebrate Brittney’s release, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to fellow American Paul Whelan and his family, as well as all Americans unjustly imprisoned overseas — that they will be freed and can return home safely and promptly."
(3/3)
— Baylor University (@Baylor) December 8, 2022
Other sports icons from the NBA and beyond also messaged their support for Griner after the news dropped Thursday.
— Chris Paul (@CP3) December 8, 2022
🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾 https://t.co/Aq2WSEMyIm
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) December 8, 2022
Celebrate Brittney Griner coming home to her family and now let’s get Marine Paul Whelan home too.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 8, 2022
Brittney Griner is free!
After 294 days in Russian captivity, @POTUS negotiated a "one-for-one" prisoner swap.
Thank you to President Biden, and to all those who worked so hard to secure her freedom.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 8, 2022
