Brittney Griner is home.
The WNBA star came to the US on December 9 after being released from Russian custody. “So happy to have Brittney back in America,” Roger D. CarstensThe President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, tweeted after Brittney landed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. “Welcome home BG!”
Brittney’s return to the US comes almost a year after center Phoenix Mercury—who plays for a Russian team during off-season—was announced. arrest at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport in February for allegedly possessing a vape box containing cannabis oil in her luggage.
The 32-year-old was initially convicted by a Russian court of drugs and sentenced up to nine years in prison in August, but was traded for a Russian arms dealer Viktor’s fever, who received 11 years out of a 25-year sentence. Chairperson Joe Biden signed the transaction, which took place in the UAE, according to the official. However, American businessman Paul Whelanwho has been detained in Russia since 2018, was not included in the agreement.
“I recently spoke to Brittney Griner,” the president tweeted Dec 8 showing cover photo with Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. “She’s safe. She’s on the plane. She’s on her way home.”
