WNBA star Brittney Griner says she had to dig ‘deep’ to get through Russian detainment

Hope bounced around Brittney Griner like a buoy and an anchor.

The hope of returning home, hoping for a miracle, was limited to months in a Russian prison. In the days of hopelessness, the days that grew when we were held back by the second winter, optimism drowned in despair.

The photos of his family far from the world keep Griner alive.

“Just being able to see his face, that’s what he did for me,” Griner said Thursday at his first press conference since his release. “The moment you want to give up, you see these photos and they will take you back to what you are waiting for. You are waiting to be back with your family, with your loved ones in a safe place.”

Griner kept a low profile after he returned to the US as he adjusted to life at home, outside of appearances at the Super Bowl, the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open and the MLK Day event in Phoenix.

He returned to the spotlight at a news conference on Thursday, an event attended by about 200 people in the lobby of the Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Griner’s wife, Cherelle, and members of the Mercury organization gave the WNBA star a standing ovation as she emerged from behind the banner and climbed onto the riser.

“It’s different than basketball press conferences these days,” Griner said, his eyes shining and a big smile on his face. “A lot of media here today.”

Griner gained international attention in February 2022, when he was arrested after Russian authorities said a search of his luggage turned up a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

After months of negotiations between Washington and Moscow, Griner was exchanged in the United Arab Emirates for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on December 8.

Griner kept his emotions under control during a press conference as he thanked everyone who helped secure his release, including President Joe Biden, but took a moment to compose himself after being asked about his resilience through the ordeal.

“I’m no stranger to hard times,” Griner said, fighting back tears. “Just dig deep. You’re going to face hardships in life. This is big enough. I just rely on hard work to overcome it.”

The adjustment period continues

Griner faced an adjustment period when he returned to the US, which he is still working on.

He spent some time in San Antonio, where he picked up basketball for the first time in almost a year. Wearing high-top shoes outside, Griner made a few shots, even trying to see if he could still dunk (yes, he could).

After returning to Phoenix, Griner walked around the city, taking in the scenery of his hometown with a new appreciation that came with the freedom he hadn’t had in nearly 10 months.

“Walking around town is a little different, but it’s nice to be back on U.S. soil, especially when you’re back in the Valley,” Griner said. “It’s really warm and nothing but love, out and about, just trying to get back to normal.”

Griner announced shortly after her release that she would play in the WNBA this season and re-signed with the Mercury on a one-year contract. The WNBA’s sixth-ranked and second-ranked defensive player of the year is off to a slow start and has been working hard in preparation for the Mercury’s home opener on May 19.

“I think I’ve reached a corner and now I’m in love, but in the beginning there was a point where I was like, wow, dang, do I really want to do this so fast now?”

“But no, it was worth it. So worth it.”

‘Never play abroad again’

Griner returned to the WNBA but will not play overseas again, except with Team USA.

“I never played overseas again,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist. “The only time I want is to represent the USA.”

Griner’s new normal will also include working with Bring Our Families Home, a campaign formed in 2022 by family members of American hostages and wrongful prisoners held overseas.

Griner said his team has been in contact with the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being held in Russia on espionage charges.

Griner and BOFH unveiled a mural outside the Footprint Center with the faces of Americans detained overseas and will work to bring them home.

“Nobody should be in one of the situations I’ve been in or will be in,” he said.

The conditions of Russian prisons sometimes left Griner feeling hopeless. The familiar faces of his family always brought him back, hoping to return until he could finally see them again.