One of the most talked-about cases in U.S. sports during the year that is about to end is that of Brittney Griner, the WNBA basketball star who spent several months imprisoned in Russia and who, thanks to the intervention of President Joe Biden, was able to return home safe and sound.
Biden announced just over two weeks ago that his administration had reached an agreement with Russian authorities for a prisoner exchange, in which Griner would be released in exchange for the release of arms dealer and smuggler Viktor Bout.
Finally, he had an intimate family celebration
The Brittney Griner for Viktor Bout prisoner swap was caught on video
A few months ago, Griner was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for carrying less than a gram of hashish oil, a substance that is considered illegal in Russia. In August, Brittney was convicted and sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison.
The case went viral and became a matter of public interest, so the Biden administration intervened and reached the deal that brought her back on December 9, when she landed in San Antonio.
Russian TV release images of Brittney Griner in prison
She celebrated her homecoming with family and close friends
ESPN reported that Griner and his wife celebrated his homecoming in Texas at University Baptist Church in Waco. The celebration was held Monday night and was attended by only about 20 people, although a few more were unable to attend due to illness.
This seems to close the chapter on this year for Griner, who was a WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014 and announced last week that she plans to return to the court with the team in 2023.