Brittney Griner. A superstar in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association), she’s been on the league’s scene since being drafted #1 overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft, where she debuted for the Phoenix Mercury. A tall, built player in the center position (6ft 9in, 205lb) out of Baylor University, she immediately made an impact her rookie season, starting in all 27 regular-season games she played in. That same year, Griner would finish with statistics averaging 26 minutes, 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and an astonishing 3.0 blocks per game.
Griner has continually improved her game since, posting numbers that when compared to her previous season, are generally better on all facets. Now at 31 years of age, Griner has 254 professional games under her belt, with averages (per game) of 30.9 minutes, 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and a surprisingly accurate 80.4% free throw.
Griner flew to Russia in February to play in the Russian Women’s Basketball League after the conclusion of the Mercury’s season. This is not uncommon, as several WNBA players compete overseas to improve their game and make the bulk of their yearly salaries. When she was arrested nearby a Moscow airport though for having small amounts of cannabis and hashish oil in her possession, there was immediate outrage in the WNBA community. Here is a basketball legend, almost a certain lock in the hall of fame, being detained in not just any country, but Russia, where tensions are at an extreme high with the United States.
Out of several wrongfully detained detainees, Griner has the most influence with the outside world. Russia will most likely use her as leverage in a possible prisoner swap with the United States. She has endured months of prison time already, and has recently pleaded guilty to her charges. Celebrities such as NBA megastar Lebron James have asked President Joe Biden to act more decisively in negotiating Griner’s release.
Regardless, along with the recent negative comments surrounding Russia and Putin, it is deplorable to see Russia acting this way.
Sources:
https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/g/grinebr01w.html
Image Credits: Kirill Kudryavstev/AFP via Getty Images
