Formerly imprisoned WNBA superstar Brittney Griner took to Instagram on Friday to post her first statement since being freed after spending 10 months in Russian custody for bringing a small amount of medical hashish oil aboard a flight with her Russian Premier League team.
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn,” Griner said in part. ” 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.”
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President Joe Biden faced virulent online criticism for swapping Griner for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout in a prisoner swap with the Russian government, and for leaving imprisoned Marine Paul Whelan out of the deal. Griner addressed them both in her statement.
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too,” Griner said. “I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole.”
Griner is currently relaxing with her wife on a military base outside San Antonio, Texas. Her first move back on the basketball court was a dunk.
[Brittney Griner on Instagram]
