On February 17, 2022, Brittney Griner's life took a devastating turn for the worse. The 10-time WNBA All-Star was detained in Russia after airport authorities found minimal amounts- supposedly less than a gram- of medically prescribed hash oil in her suitcase. Having spent several years playing in Russia during the WNBA offseason, the journey was one that the 33-year-old had made on many occasions before without any problems. It was routine for her. But not this time, this had never happened before.
"What Brittney has gone through in the last couple of years is obviously unprecedented," says Griner's teammate and close friend Diana Tuarsi. "And for her to be able to put this jersey back, to be at the opening ceremony last night is awesome. Obviously, I'm close with BG and I know she feels grateful and thankful."
Five months after her arrest, Griner was put on trial and on just the second day pleaded guilty. Despite swearing she had no intention of breaking the law during her testimony, the basketball star was sentenced to nine years in prison and was fined 1 million rubles- around $16,000.
"The situation she was in, obviously we don't wish that on anyone, and there's still people overseas in situations just like her. For her to be able to come back, to get on that plane, to come overseas... it was a big moment for her in a lot of ways. But I'm glad she did it. She's a remarkable person," continues Tuarsi.
After her conviction, Griner was transferred to an unknown facility where she was held until being transferred to a female correctional facility in the town of Yavas, located in the region of Mordovia. All while this was going on, the American government and the player's family were working tirelessly to negotiate her release.
After months of discussion between the representatives of the two governments, Griner's release was finally confirmed. On December 8, 10 months after being arrested, Griner was freed and sent back to the United States. In a swap deal, Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was released and sent the other way.
Griner returned to the WNBA in May 2023 and was given a emotional standing ovation. "Behind the scenes, she's still doing as much as she can to make sure all the names of those imprisioned oversees are being brought to the forefront. I know we see her on the court as being an intimidating, dominant force, but I would say she's the person with the biggest heart and I think that's why people supported her so much because they know what kind of person she is. She would do the same thing for any of us, for any of you strangers that she doesn't know so for that we're thankful that she's here," says Tuarsi. Touching words for a player who has touched the hearts of many with her inspiring story. Griner is now going for gold in Paris as the women's basketball team try to win their 10th gold medal in history.