Brittney Griner was finally able to return to the United States on Thursday, Dec. 8, after she spent nearly 10 months in Russia.
The WNBA star was detained in February after the Russian Federal Customs Service claimed it found hashish oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. Following a long stretch of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, she was released in a prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to CBS News.
Here is what you need to know about Griner, including her background as a player and the latest development in her legal situation.
Who is Brittney Griner? Background on WNBA star
Griner made an immediate impact as a freshman at Baylor, setting a single-season record for blocks during the 2009-10 season (223). She proceeded to dominate the Lady Bears' opponents over the next three seasons, finishing with 3,283 points, 1,305 rebounds and 748 blocks.
Behind Griner's excellence, Baylor went 135-15 overall, including a perfect 40-0 on its way to the national title in 2012. After concluding one of the most highly decorated careers in NCAA basketball history, Griner was selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.
In nine seasons, Griner has earned seven All-Star selections and averaged 17.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 254 games. The dynamic duo of Griner and WNBA legend Diana Taurasi led the Mercury to the 2014 WNBA championship.
Griner has also played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League during the WNBA offseason and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Why was Brittney Griner detained in Russia?
Griner was detained after customs service officials said they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport. The customs service also released a video of an individual at the airport who appears to be Griner going through security.
Russian state TV showed a photo of Griner as part of a segment that aired on March 5. The photo was reportedly taken at a Russian police station.
Russian state TV has released a photo of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was arrested on drug charges in the country after Russian officials say cannabis oil was found in her luggage. CNN's @RosaFlores has the story. pic.twitter.com/SzB9MSSQfY
— CNN (@CNN) March 8, 2022
A judge in Russia convicted Griner of drug possession and smuggling on Aug. 4 and sentenced her to nine years in prison, bringing an end to her trial. Prosecutors had asked the court to sentence Griner to nine-and-a-half years in prison, according to The Associated Press.
Legal experts viewed a verdict as a formality because the length of her detainment was going to be determined by negotiations on a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia.
When was Brittney Griner released?
Griner was released on Dec. 8 in a prisoner exchange that took place in the United Arab Emirates, per CBS News. In order to bring Griner back to the U.S., President Biden freed Bout, who had been serving a 25-year prison sentence after he was convicted of conspiring to kill Americans.
In a tweet posted that morning, President Biden confirmed that he had spoken to Griner alongside her wife, Cherelle Griner, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
"Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner," President Biden said in the tweet. "She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home."
Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
She is safe.
She is on a plane.
She is on her way home. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT
He added that his administration is still negotiating the release of Paul Whelan, a former Marine who has been jailed in Russia for four years on espionage charges. Whelan and the U.S. government have consistently denied those charges.
"I am so glad that Brittney Griner is on her way home," David Whelan, Paul's brother, said in a statement (via ABC News). "As the family member of a Russian hostage, I can literally only imagine the joy she will have, being reunited with her loved ones, and in time for the holidays.
"There is no greater success than for a wrongful detainee to be freed and for them to go home. The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, and to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn't going to happen.
"This time, U.S. government officials let us know in advance that Paul would be left behind, unlike last April when they left him. That early warning meant that our family has been able to mentally prepare for what is now a public disappointment for us. And a catastrophe for Paul."