2022 was a turning point for Brittney Griner. The WNBA star was arrested in Russia after authorities found a small amount of hash oil in her luggage. This happened while Griner was in Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA off-season, a trip she had made many times before without any issues.

Five months after her arrest, Griner was tried and pleaded guilty on the same day. Despite her attempts to explain that she hadn’t meant to break the law, she was sentenced to nine years in prison and a fine of one million rubles, about $16,000.

Griner was sent to a prison in wordovia after her sentencing. During her incarceration her family and the government worked tirelessly to secure her release. Finally, on vece…uer o, 2022 Griner was released in a prisoner swap between the two countries.

When she returned to the NA in May 25, riner was welco…ed back with open arms. viana Taurasi highlighted the significance of riner s return _ven though she’s a force on the court, Brittney has

Diana Taurasi, a close friend and teammate, descried the impact of this e perience on ‘ariner. What rittney has been through in the past ti o years is unimaginable. Seeing her ba k in her team s jersey at the opening cere…ony is truly mo ing. ‘m deeply connected with her and know shes filled ith gratitude.