The Olympic games has always been an event where sports and global politics can intertwine on any given day.
Brittney Griner, the 6-9 American national team basketball player who was freed in a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia 20 months ago found herself having a flash back to a past life Thursday when the United States and Russia agreed to another deal that brought home three detainees, including Wall State reporter Evan Gershkovich and former
marine Paul Whelan following lengthy detentions.
Though she remained stoic during the national anthem prior to Team USA, 87-74 victory over Belgium in group play and then went out and scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds,
Griner said it was “definitely emotional” hearing that news. “It’s a great day,”’ said the 33-year-old Griner who competing for the first time internationally since being released from a Russian prison. “Head over heels happy for the families right
now. Any day that the Americans come home is a win.”
Griner, who was playing for a Russian professional team in the off season, was arrested on drug smuggling charges in Feb. 22 by Russian customs officers after cartridges containing less than a gram of medically prescribed hash was found in her luggage. She was later sentenced to nine years in prison. She was released as part of a prisoner swap involving Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer. The 10-time WNBA All Star, who was once considered one of the 10 most impactful players in the world, resumed her professional career in May of 2023 and is chasing her third gold medals for a team that has not lost in major international competition since 1992.
Griner is a backup center to A’ja Wilson, who is arguably the best player in the world. “I know they have an amazing group of people to help them out in whatever they need them and their families,” Griner said. “I’m glad I was able to go through that program and get re acclimated back into everyday life.”
Griner became the center of controversy during her incarceration based on statements she made about the national anthem during her early career. She, along with teammate Brianna Turner, called for the W to stop playing the national anthem before the games. She made her remarks after Phoenix Mercury players refused to take the floor during a pre-season game in Bradenton, Fla. in 2020. Griner said she was protesting the killing of Breonna Taylor as part of the wider George Floyd protests. She went on to say the anthem should not be played at sporting events.
Griner has obviously changed direction championing the return of others detained in foreign countries and saying she has grown the appreciate “the uniquely American freedoms citizens for this country grant for granted or overlook. She has stood for the anthem ever since her return to play.
It was a joyous day for the three Americans and their families as the plane carrying them arrived at Andrews Air Force just outside Washington, D.C. and it brought some attention to the American women’s team that has been overshadowed by the men’s latest dream team and became the center of controversy when the Americans did not put rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, who has been a huge draw in the W, on the roster, Critics were quick to jump on the fact the Americans only drew 13,000 to their group opener trying to link Clark’s absence with crowd size.
Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve said she shared a moment with Griner after the Americans clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of this Olympic tournament,
We’ve extremely happy for the families. Reeve said. “The prisoners have endured an awful, awful time without their family members. I know how happy she is . . . She knows, for her, what that was like. She seemed okay bu that’s Brittney. She’s always okay. We’ll be checking ln her.”
The Americans actually had to work for this victory playing in front of an overwhelmingly pro- Belgium crowd of more than 25,000 who made the trip 20 miles from the border to attend the game. Rows of supporters decked out in black, yellow and red wigs and he chants of “Belgium” reverberated throughout the city.
Belgium is ranked sixth in the world. they trailed the USA by just four points midway through the third quarter before the American defense just clamped down.
“They are a really good team,” USA guard Diana Taurasi said. Their fans create a soccer style atmosphere.”
The 6-5 Wilson and 6-4 wing Breanna Stewart, arguably the most versatile player int the world were simply too much for the Belgian Cats. Stewart finished with 26 points while Wilson had 12 and 13 rebounds to offset an average at best performance from American guards.
“I love when a crowd goes against us,” Wilson said. ”That’s the beautiful thing about our game playing in those atmospheres proving people wrong and wanting to hush the crowd up.”
