Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has gone in-depth about her arrest and conviction in Russia two years ago.
Brittney Griner was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport in Feb. 17, 2022 for possessing a small quantity of hash oil. Though legal in several US states (including Arizona), the substance is illegal in Russia.
Less than six months after her arrest, the WNBA legend was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison. But in December 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden reached an agreement on a prisoner exchange with Russian authorities.
Griner was released from custody and sent back to the United States in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, who spent 10 years in prison.
During an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” program that will air on Wednesday, Griner explained that she simply had an unfortunate “mental lapse” that led to the arrest and detainment in Russia:
“Have you ever forgot your keys in your car? Left your car running? Have you ever– you know, where’s my glasses? They’re on top of your head. Where’s my phone? Oh, it’s in my pocket. It’s just so easy to have a mental lapse. Granted, my mental lapse was on a more grand scale. But it doesn’t take away from how that can happen…
I could just visualize everything I worked so hard for just crumbling and going away. And then to be somewhere where there’s no understanding…This was a mistake. It was an accident, which I understand accidents have repercussions. And I’m American in Russia where relations aren’t the best. You know?”
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Griner’s arrest meant the nine-time WNBA All-Star and future Hall of Famer had to miss the entire 2022 season. The Mercury, usually a regular season juggernaut, struggled without Griner and finished 15-21 on the season.
The Mercury star wasted no time regaining her all-world form after returning to the court. Griner averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, though the Mercury finished a disappointing 9-31 to miss out on the playoffs for the second straight year.
A New Season & Fresh Start For Brittney Griner’s Mercury
Griner should be even better in 2024 than she was a year ago, since she’s had a full offseason to train and prepare.
Phoenix will kick off their 2024 season with a road contest against the Las Vegas Aces on May 14 (7:00 p.m. EST). Four days later, the Mercury will welcome the Atlanta Dream in their home opener at the Footprint Center.
And in a can’t-miss game that should be circled on your calendar, Phoenix will meet Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 30. That game will be nationally broadcast on ESPN.
Also Read: WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner And Her Wife Share Intimate Photos From Their Baby Shower
