Brittney Griner says the national anthem “resonated differently” on her return to court after being released from a Russian penal colony — despite previously protesting that it CANNOT be played at WNBA games
Brittney Griner said the national anthem “hit differently” after her return to court following her incarceration in a Russian penal colony.
Griner returned to her home field for the first time since being released from her custody in a Russian penal colony Friday night in a preseason game against the LA Sparks.
The 1.9m tall center entered the pitch to great applause from the crowd, hugging her teammates, coaches and opposing players and giving them a high-five.
Before the clue, Griner and her teammates stood for the national anthem and the crowd cheered loudly as the 2013 WNBA Draft No. 1 pick was announced.
After the game, the 32-year-old emphasized that it meant a lot to him to be able to play basketball again on home soil.
Brittney Griner said the national anthem “hit differently” after her return to court.
The Phoenix Mercury star lined up with her teammates before the game to listen to the national anthem
The 6’1″ center high-fiveed her teammates as she entered the court to a standing ovation
“When I heard the national anthem, it definitely felt different,” said Griner. “It’s like sitting there at the Olympics, about to get the gold on your neck, the flags being raised and the anthem being played, it’s just different.”
“To be here today… it means a lot to me.”
In July 2020, in response to the social justice protests taking place across the United States, Griner said she did not feel the anthem should be played during the season, adding that by doing so she did not show “disrespect for our country ” think .’
Griner was arrested at an airport outside Moscow with cartridges full of hash oil, Russian security forces have claimed.
Her court appearance came five months after her release as part of a prisoner swap that allowed arms dealer Viktor Bout to return to his native Russia on December 8.
After her release, she re-signed with the Mercury in February and returned to the WNBA for a tenth season, each time with Phoenix.
“We looked at each other and just had goosebumps,” said Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard. “We were here last year because of all that. I’m getting emotional now. Just to see her out there again – it’s an absolute miracle. It was wonderful. It’s giving me goosebumps again.’
Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard (left) said it gives her chills to see Griner back on the court
Griner attacks Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike in the first half of a WNBA preseason game
Griner had 10 and three rebounds in her first taste of basketball action after her layoff
When the game started, Griner immediately got to work, scoring a turnaround jumper early in the first quarter. A few minutes later she was fouled on another turn and sunk both free throws.
Griner added three rebounds in 17 minutes but said she was more rusty on the court than expected.
“Not where I want it to be, but on track,” Griner said. “We are taking the right steps.”
With the WNBA season just around the corner and the Mercury vs. Sparks opening game scheduled to air on ESPN on May 19, Phoenix is hoping Griner’s return will reignite hopes that the franchise can make it to the Finals again.