Brittney Griner basketball

In first remarks since returning to the US, WNBA star thanks all who pushed for her release from Russian prison.

I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. She had said in court that the cannabis oil cartridges, which are illegal in Russia, ended up in her bag by mistake. [include Paul Whelan](/news/2022/12/8/griner-release-raises-fresh-concerns-about-fate-of-paul-whelan), a US Marine veteran sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison on espionage charges, in the swap deal.

Brittney Griner, in her first public comments since her release from a Russian prison, said she was "grateful" to be home and plans to play for the WNBA's ...

The team's first home game is two days later against the [Chicago Sky](https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-sky). Griner thanked the military staff and medical team in Texas, where she was receiving care. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. "President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too," Griner said in her post Friday. Whelan's brother David said last week in a statement that he was "so glad'' for Griner's release but also disappointed for his family. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going.

Brittney Griner departed a medical military facility in Texas on Friday and returned home to Arizona, vowing in an Instgram post to play in the WNBA this ...

Months ago, in pre-trial detention in Russia, Griner was offered a basketball and a hoop but declined to play, Colas said. “She’s really committed to telling this story and making sure that this population of wrongfully detained Americans, that people know their names.” For months, a delicate diplomatic dance played out between the US and Russia, which waged war in Ukraine. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Griner, 32, said she was “grateful to each person who advocated for me” and thanked the staff at the Texas military facility she briefly called home. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. [Brooke Army Medical Center](https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/08/americas/viktor-bout-profile-prisoner-swap-intl/index.html) in San Antonio for a week for routine evaluation. Griner was headed back to Arizona, though her representatives would not confirm exactly where, citing security concerns. “I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. “President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too,” she said. US officials deemed it a wrongful detention. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.”