Brittney Griner's long road to returning to the WNBA has taken the next step. On Thursday, Griner spoke with the media about her return to the league. During the press conference, it was hard for Griner to keep her emotions in check. The WNBA star was detained in Russia in March of 2022 for possession of Marijuana. What followed was a very public demand for the release of the basketball star. After 10 long months, Griner was freed from Russia in a prisoner swap with Russia.
Griner has kept it no secret how she was treated during her time in detainment. However, Griner is done discussing the negatives. Now, she is thankful for the opportunity to have her life back. "Thank y'all for covering me and all the exposure that you gave me, my family to get me home... I expect to see the same coverage because we have a great product." Many in the media made Griner's freedom a top priority, as well as many celebrities.
Brittney Griner Is Thankful To Be Home
During her return press conference, Griner mentioned that she would not be going overseas again. Except for one condition. "I can say for me, I'm never going overseas to play again unless I'm representing my country at the Olympics... The whole reason a lot of us go overseas is the pay gap, to make an income, to support our families, to support ourselves." Griner isn't the first, or will she be the last, to take her talents overseas to make a livable wage playing the game she is passionate about. However, the United States has attempted to make a change with that issue.
The pay gap between female and male athletes has long been an issue in the United States. However, many professional leagues are taking the necessary steps to give women the same opportunities as men. Brittney Griner's story will not soon be forgotten. The Phoenix star plans on releasing a memoir about her time in a Russian prison. For now, we all can celebrate that another American citizen has been brought home safely. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.