The family of WNBA star Brittney Griner issued a statement Thursday night in the aftermath of her long-awaited release from Russian custody after 294 days.
The United States secured Griner’s release after president Joe Biden agreed to a prisoner swap involving international arms dealer Viktor Bout in the past week. The 32-year-old had been wrongfully detained since February when she was found in possession of hashish oil at a Moscow airport, eventually leading to Griner receiving a nine-year sentence after being convicted of smuggling drugs with criminal intent following a monthlong trial.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Griner’s family thanked Biden and his administration, which included former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, for their efforts in bringing her home. Additionally, Griner’s family acknowledged and extended support to the family of Paul Whelan; Russian reportedly refused to accept a deal that returned Griner and Whelan, a 52-year-old former Marine serving year 4 of a 16-year sentence on accusations of espionage, to the U.S.
