russian prison

Brittney Griner Breaks Her Social Media Silence

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Brittney Griner went through 10 months of hell while in a Russian prison. Russia can be brutal with its prison system, and there were a lot of unknowns while Griner was detained. Eventually, she pled guilty to possession and trafficking charges, which subsequently led to a 9-year sentence.

Thankfully, Griner was released just last week in a prison swap. The news came as a shock, however, it was a good one for her family. Griner was able to make it home in one piece, and her wife Cherelle could not be happier. Additionally, the WNBA family is happy to have her back as well.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball during Game Three of the 2021 WNBA semifinals at Desert Financial Arena on October 03, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Aces 87-60. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner Takes To IG

For the most part, Griner has been staying off of social media. Today, however, she decided to change that. Below, you can see that Griner took to Instagram where she thanked numerous people for her release. Moreover, she revealed that she will be returning to the WNBA next season.

“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” she wrote. […] “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.”

Griner also made mention of Paul Whelan, who is the marine that is still being held in Russia. Many were upset that Whelan was not released at the same time as Griner. However, Griner is well-aware of his situation, and she is dedicated to advocating for his release.

Overall, it is fantastic to see Griner in such great spirits. She has been through hell and back, but she is still ready for the next chapter of her career.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the basketball world.

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LeBron James Reacts To Brittney Griner’s Release

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LeBron James is one of the most vocal players in the NBA when it comes to social issues. He has always made sure to be politically conscious. Subsequently, this has led to numerous statements on Brittney Griner. During her incarceration, LeBron was one of the loudest voices demanding that we bring her home.

On Thursday, Griner was officially released via prisoner swap. Last night, Griner was able to land in the United States, and she appeared to be in good spirits. Overall, it is a positive story for the basketball world as Griner will now get to be with her family again.

LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs down court during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 06, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

LeBron James Speaks

Last night, LeBron got to speak on the Griner release during a special Thursday Night Football edition of The Shop. As you can imagine, LeBron James was very excited about Griner’s release. Moreover, he noted that the U.S. needs to work on bringing even more people home.

“I think it’s a great day for us as Americans having BG back,”  LeBron explained. “In the sports world, just having her presence back. Her wife misses her. Her family misses her. Club misses her here in Phoenix. To have her a part of the basketball brother and sisterhood once again, it’s a big day for us and what we do. Kudos to the President. Kudos (to) Kamala Harris and everyone who had something to do with it.

“Like Mav said, there’s a lot of people that’s wrongfully detained right now. We hope we can get them all back.”

At this point, many are trying to get Paul Whelan home as well. The former marine is currently being held on espionage chargers, and the Russian government won’t let him go. Needless to say, many are up in arms over this situation.

Stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news on this developing story.

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Brittney Griner Release Footage Surfaces Online

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Earlier today, Brittney Griner was officially released from a Russian prison. Griner had been stationed in a labor camp where she was going to serve nine years for drug possession. However, the United States government was able to negotiate a prisoner swap.

The man going back to Russia is notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is known as the merchant of death. He is a dangerous man, although he was the United States’ one shot at bringing home Griner. Additionally, the U.S. tried to free Paul Whelan, although Russia was unwilling.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury warms up before Game Five of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner Meets Viktor Bout

Of course, there has been quite a lot of backlash online about the United States’ negotiation tactics. Many feel like the U.S. looks weak by allowing Bout to go back to Russia. One such person is former Trump administration higher-up John Bolton.

Bolton made a statement on Twitter, however, the bigger story was the footage that @chronology22 left as a reply. This footage was taken by Russian state media, and it depicts Griner signing her release forms. As you can see, her hair has been cut short, and she was all smiles while signing the release. Furthermore, we even saw footage of her on the tarmac in the UAE where she came face-to-face with Bout while heading to her final plane home.

This marks the end of an incredibly dark time in Griner’s life. For months, her family, the government, and the WNBA have been trying to bring her home. Now, she will finally get to be with her wife Cherelle again.

This remains a developing story, so stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates. Additionally, let us know what you think of this footage, in the comments below.

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Brittney Griner Release Leads To Heartwarming Reactions

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Brittney Griner’s stay in a Russian prison has been incredibly difficult. For those who haven’t been keeping track, Griner had been detained since February. This was the result of Griner carrying weed cartridges in her carry-on while trying to leave the country.

Consequently, Griner was hit with a nine-year prison sentence. Additionally, she was recently sent to a labor camp where the conditions are horrid. During this time, there was a lot of pessimism in terms of whether or not the United States would bring her home.

Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury attempts to steal the ball from Kahleah Copper #2 of the Chicago Sky in the second half at Footprint Center on October 10, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Mattina/Getty Images)

Brittney Griner Comes Home

Today, it was revealed that Griner was on her way home following a prisoner swap. This is simply fantastic news, as it means Griner will be back home with her family. Although it was a long and arduous journey, there is no doubt that fans and her family are excited.

Immediately following this news, many took to Twitter to describe just how happy they are. For instance, tennis legend Billie Jean King wrote, “Brittney Griner is free! After 294 days in Russian captivity, @POTUS negotiated a “one-for-one” prisoner swap. Thank you to President Biden, and to all those who worked so hard to secure her freedom.”

Of course, the happiest person right now is Griner’s wife Cherelle. In a news conference with President Joe Biden, Cherelle said, “Today is just a happy day for me and my family.” Overall, you can’t help but be excited for the Griner family after this long 10-month nightmare.

Griner should be returning to the United States in just a few hours. Until then, stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest news and updates on this developing story.

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