Brittney Griner says the national anthem ‘hit different’ after release from a Russian penal colony
Brittney Griner says national anthem ‘hit different’ on her return to court after release from a Russian penal colony ahead of Mercury’s WNBA season opener
Brittney Griner said hearing the national anthem “hit different” after her detention in a Russian penal colony after returning to court.
Griner returned to action on her home field for the first time since being released from detention in a Russian penal colony in a preseason game against the LA Sparks on Friday night.
The six-foot center took to the field to a massive ovation from the crowd, hugging and high-fiving her teammates, coaches and opponents.
Prior to the tip-off, Griner and her teammates stood for the national anthem, and the crowd cheered loudly as the No. 1 pick of the 2013 WNBA Draft was announced.
The 32-year-old insisted after the game that it meant a lot to be able to play basketball on home soil again.
Brittney Griner said hearing the national anthem “hit different” after her return to court
The six-foot-tall center gave her teammates a high five as she entered court and received a standing ovation
Privileged basketball player Brittney Griner, who once argued that the national anthem should not be played, has finally found some respect for her great country.
On Friday night, Griner spoke out after standing for the national anthem.
“Hearing the national anthem, the… pic.twitter.com/2dIrdtKsld
— Collin Rugg (@Collin Rugg) May 13, 2023
“When I heard the national anthem, it definitely resonated differently,” Griner said. “It’s like going to the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold around your neck, the flags go up and the national anthem plays, it just hits differently.
“Being here today… it means a lot.”
In July 2020, in response to the social justice protests being held in the United States, Griner said she did not feel the national anthem should be played during the season, adding that she did not see a “disrespect for our country ‘ referred to. .’
Griner was arrested at an airport outside Moscow with cartridges of hash oil, according to Russian security.
Her court appearance came five months after her release in exchange for a prisoner exchange, allowing arms dealer Viktor Bout to return to his native Russia on December 8.
She re-signed with the Mercury in February after her release and returned to the WNBA for a 10th season, all with Phoenix.
“We looked at each other and just had chills,” said Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard. “We were here for everything last year. I’m getting emotional now. Just to see her there again – it’s an absolute miracle. It was amazing. It gives me chills again.’
Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard (left) said it gave her chills to see Griner back on court
Griner drives to 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 being released
Once the game started, Griner immediately went to work and scored on a turnaround jumper early in the first quarter. A few minutes later, she was fouled on another reversal and sank both free throws.
Griner added three rebounds in 17 minutes, but said she was rustier on the field than expected.
“Not where I want it, but on the right track,” Griner said. ‘We are taking the right steps.’
With the WNBA season upon us, with the Mercury’s opening game against the Sparks airing May 19 on ESPN, Phoenix hopes Griner’s return hope the franchise can run to the finals again.