Brittney Griner was released by Russian authorities in a 1-for-1 prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout. The swap took place in the United Arab Emirates at Abu Dhabi airport and the US basketball player is on her way to the United States.
“She’s safe. She’s on a plane. She’s on her way home”, said US President Joe Biden in a tweet. Speaking shortly after Griner was released, Mr Biden said at the White House that he was “glad to be able to say Brittney is in good spirits”, and that she was looking forward to getting home. The president dismissed the “show trial in Russia” that landed her in prison and said “she didn’t ask for special treatment”. “Brittney is an incomparable athlete, a two time Olympic gold medalist for Team USA. She endured mistreatment at a show trial in Russia with characteristic grit and incredible dignity. She represents the best America – the best about America”, said also Joe Biden.
The negotiations were reportedly mediated by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
Brittney Yevette Griner is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears in Waco, Texas. She is the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. In 2012, the three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. Griner is one of 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, and a WNBA championship.
