Brittney Griner’s return to the United States is being celebrated by the WNBA community following her release from Russia on Thursday in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
In February, Griner was caught on drug smuggling allegations at an airport in the Moscow region and incarcerated in Russian prisons for nearly ten months.
Breanna Stewart, a member of the Seattle Storm, tweeted, “BG is FREE!!! 294 days until she returns home!”
Jonquel Jones, the Connecticut Sun center and 2021 MVP, posted on Twitter, “BG” Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Jones remarked in separate tweets, “How about Christmas miracles! God Is good! I’m ecstatic right now! “Free of BG!!!” followed by “When I say nothing could ruin my mood today! My sister is returning home, and BG is free.”
“BG,” wrote two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player A’ja Wilson. “God is so good”
BG is without charge!! 294 days until she returns!!!
— Breanna Stewart (8 December 2022, @breannastewart)
BRITTNEY WE LOVE YOU!!! We have been anticipating your return, and now it is finally happening!!
— Amanda Zahui B. (@AmandaZahuiB) December 8, 2022
The finest news to start the day: Our sister BG is finally coming home!
So appreciative of everyone who worked tirelessly to make this a reality. Brittney, you’re home!!!
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) on December 8
Amanda Zahui B. of the Los Angeles Sparks tweeted, “BRITNEY WE LOVE YOU!!! We have been anticipating your return, and now it is finally occurring!” – she tweeted separately that she “cannot stop sobbing.”
Chiney Ogwumike wrote, “The best news to start the day is that our sister BG is finally returning home!! So appreciative of everyone who worked tirelessly to make this a reality. Brittney, welcome home!!!
President Biden tweeted on Thursday morning regarding Griner’s release, stating that he spoke with the WNBA star and that she is currently en route to the United States.
The tweet contained images of the president, vice president, and Griner’s wife, Cherelle, beaming in the Oval Office.
WNBA legend Sue Bird, who retired in September after Seattle’s playoff loss, shared Biden’s tweet with the message “BG is free.”
New York Liberty building Stefanie Dolson also retweeted Biden’s message, saying “ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!! She is finally RETURNING HOME!!!”
Brittney Griner (15) runs up the court during the women’s basketball gold medal game versus Japan on August 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan.
Cherelle Griner discusses the release of her wife, WNBA star Brittney Griner, by Russia in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on December 8, 2022.
After Griner’s incarceration, the WNBA and its players made numerous public appeals and demands for her return. Griner’s initials and jersey number “42” were displayed on the courts of all twelve WNBA teams during the previous season. In addition to wearing “BG” pins, players continued to advocate for her release on social media.
Some NBA players, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, Chris Paul, and Ja Morant, wore sweatshirts bearing Griner’s face and number to advocate for her return.
»Brittney Griner’s Russian release is celebrated by WNBA players with the phrase ‘BG is free’«