Brittney Griner Release Praised by Sports Figures: ‘Our Sister Is Headed Back Home’

Americans learned Thursday morning Brittney Griner had been released from a Russian prison camp in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.

The WNBA player’s Dec. 8 release is one of the highest-profile prisoner swaps between Moscow and Washington since the Cold War, although the deal meant leaving behind Paul Whelan, an American jailed in Russia after being accused of spying, which he denied.

President Joe Biden personally approved Thursday’s prisoner exchange, which took place in the United Arab Emirates. “She is safe, she is on a plane, she is on her way home,” Biden said from the White House.

Related Story: Brittney Griner Freed From Russia After Prisoner Swap

Griner, 32, was taken into custody at Moscow Airport on Feb. 17. She was later convicted on drug possession charges and sent to a Russian penal colony.

News of the Phoenix Mercury star’s long-awaited release drew praise from the sports world.

“After 294 days of tireless work… Our friend, sister, loved one, Brittney Griner is FREE. We love you BG,” read a tweet on the official WNBA Twitter account.

After 294 days of tireless work… Our friend, sister, loved one, Brittney Griner is FREE. We love you BG ? pic.twitter.com/UQ7PARbVhg

— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022

In a joint statement with the Phoenix Suns, the Mercury expressed “deep gratitude” for Griner’s release.

“Miraculously, mercifully, the count of days detained has ended at 294, and our friend, our sister is headed back home where she belongs. The emotions for our organization, just like for our fans and so many across the world, are those of joyous celebration, deep gratitude, grief for the time lost, and sincere hope for all families still awaiting the return of a loved one,” the statement said.

Griner’s teammate Brianna Turner posted several tweets about the release deal, including: “Thank you to every single person that kept Brittney Griner’s name alive #WEAREBG.”

NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote on Twitter, “Celebrate Brittney Griner coming home to her family and now let’s get Marine Paul Whelan home too.”

Tennis icon Billie Jean King tweeted, “After 294 days in Russian captivity, @POTUS negotiated a ‘one-for-one’ prisoner swap. Thank you to President Biden, and to all those who worked so hard to secure her freedom.”