On Friday night, WNBA superstar Brittney Griner made her official return to the WNBA after missing all of last season due to her detainment in Russia. And following the game, Los Angeles star and WNBA players union executive committee president Nneka Ogwumike had one special person to thank for her safe return home: United States President Joe Biden.
Back in December, the Biden administration helped secure the release of Brittney Griner with a prisoner swap that sent convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout back to Russia in return for Griner’s freedom. And with Vice President Kamala Harris in attendance on Friday night, Ogwumike thanked Joe Biden and his administration.
“Tonight is a game, but we’re also celebrating the return of one of our own, and what the Biden administration did to make that happen is really important,” Ogwumike said according to ESPN. “We know that wasn’t easy. But we want to say thank you so much for us to be able to play against BG tonight.”
Harris attended the game and gave a special message to both teams before the contest.
Thank you for all that you did in supporting Brittney,” the vice president said. “I know that was rough and so difficult.”
It’s safe to say that Griner’s return to the court was a celebratory occasion for all.
[ESPN]
