Brittney Griner Makes First Public Remarks Since Release From Russian Prison

American basketball player Brittney Griner said she intended to continue playing in the WNBA in her first public statement since her negotiated release from Russian prison. 

Key Quotes: In an Instagram post, Griner, 32, said she was “grateful to each person who advocated for me,” including her wife, the Biden administration, and the “entire WNBA family.” She also pledged to help the Biden administration bring Paul Whelan — another American imprisoned by Russia — home, encouraging those who helped her to “continue their efforts to bring all Americans home.” Furthermore, she said, “I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon.”

Key Context: Griner’s imprisonment was widely seen as a political move by Russia in retaliation against U.S. sanctions. Griner’s release was secured with the release of international arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year prison sentence in the U.S. for, among other things, providing material support to terrorists. The Biden administration reportedly wanted to trade both Griner and Whelan for Bout, but officials said Russia was treating Whelan’s case differently because he had been charged with espionage. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was widespread and prominently featured across the spectrum. Coverage from the right, which has been more likely to criticize the Biden administration’s prisoner swap, tended to mention Viktor Bout higher up in articles.