“Thankyou President Biden” – Billie Jean King, Hillary Clinton and rest of the sports world react to Brittney Griner’s homecoming before Christmas
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Brittney Griner
WNBA’s superstar from Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner is finally back to the United States of America after she was arrested in Russia in February 2022. Griner was sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison on a charge of smuggling illegal drugs on Russian soil. In September 2022, Brittney pleaded guilty in court and apologized for her actions calling it an “honest mistake.”
Brittney Griner had been arrested at the Moscow airport in February after airport officials found vape canisters and cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner had been in Russian custody since she pleaded guilty and was recently sent to the penal colony by the Russian court. Like many WNBA players even Griner had been to Russia to play basketball for the UMMC Ekaterinburg league.
In the recent development, the voice for Griner’s return among the American public had grown as many Americans urged US President Joe Biden to being her back home. After months of negotiations, the WNBA basketball star was finally released by the Russian government. “She’s relieved to finally be heading home, and the fact remains that she’s lost months of her life, experienced needless trauma,” President Joe Biden said in his statement. He also added: “She endured mistreatment and a show trial in Russia with characteristic grit and incredible dignity.”
Griner’s wife Cherelle Griner who had been fighting for her release since Brittney was arrested was over the moon to hear the news. Thanking president Biden and the US government she said she was overwhelmed with emotions. “Over the last nine months, y’all have been so privy to one of the darkest moments of my life,” she said. “Today I’m just standing here, overwhelmed with emotions. But the most important emotion that I have right now is just sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration.”
Celebrities around the world react to Brittney Griner’s return to America
As the news of Brittney Griner’s arrival from the Russian penal colony was given by the White House, celebrities from all across sports and non-sports communities congratulated Brittney and her family for the good news. Vince Kozar, the vice president of Phoenix Mercury said the team is eager to welcome Brittney into the team.
Los Angles Lakers Legend, Magic Johnson wrote, “I’m very happy that Brittney Griner is coming home! A big thank you to President Biden, the WNBA, the NBA and everyone involved for their efforts and prayers to bring her home safely.” President Barack Obama also took Twitter to express his gratitude to the US government for the long overdue justice. He wrote, “Grateful for the long-overdue release of Brittney Griner today from Russian custody. Kudos to @POTUS and his administration for the difficult diplomatic work involved to make it happen. We’re looking forward to having Brittney back home.” Find some more reactions here below:
The US government exchanged the 2014 WNBA Champion for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout also known as “The Merchant of Death”, who was held in an American prison for 12 years. Brittney Griner and Viktor Bout were exchanged to each of the respective parties at Abu Dhabi Airport. The respective parties from two countries swapped their respective citizens as they walked to the planes. Bout was received by his wife and mother with flowers and long hugs.
Since the news of her release, “Brittney hates America” has been trending all over the news, alluding to an incident in 2020 when Griner refused to pay her respect to the national flag during a WNBA game. Divided in opinion some have also expressed their frustration and disappointment against the US government for not including or solely dealing for former Marine, Paul Whelan in exchange for Viktor Bout.
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Nandjee Ranjan
(488 Articles Published)