More than nine months after she was detained by Russian officials for having hashish oil cartridges in her luggage, Brittney Griner is finally coming home.
Griner was released on Thursday in a prisoner exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year sentence for providing heavy weapons to terrorists and conspiring to kill Americans.
Here’s how NBA players around the league reacted:
Welcome Home BG!
Thank you for exemplifying what a true Warrior spirit looks like. You’re forever loved by so many unconditionally. 🤞🏾♾
— Hélà (@KyrieIrving) December 8, 2022
BG Free 💙
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) December 8, 2022
bg free 🖤
— Jordan Clarkson (@JordanClarksons) December 8, 2022
Welcome home BG❤️
— Jaden Ivey (@IveyJaden) December 8, 2022
FREED BG🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) December 8, 2022
Welcome home BG!! 🙌🏿 🙏🏿
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) December 8, 2022
Brittney coming Home hell yeaaahhhhh
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) December 8, 2022
🤍 see you soon @brittneygriner pic.twitter.com/m4xnL0AEET
— Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) December 8, 2022
Brittney Griner says she’s happy to be released in footage from plane: pic.twitter.com/UXvFDRUXnX
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 8, 2022
MORE REACTIONS:
After 294 days of tireless work… Our friend, sister, loved one, Brittney Griner is FREE. We love you BG 🧡 pic.twitter.com/UQ7PARbVhg
— WNBA (@WNBA) December 8, 2022
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
Grateful for the long-overdue release of Brittney Griner today from Russian custody. Kudos to @POTUS and his administration for the difficult diplomatic work involved to make it happen. We’re looking forward to having Brittney back home. https://t.co/G5yKliRoxd
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 8, 2022
I’m very happy that Brittney Griner is coming home! A big thank you to President Biden, the WNBA, the NBA and everyone involved for their efforts and prayers to bring her home safely.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 8, 2022