The family of WNBA star Brittney Griner issued a statement Thursday night in the aftermath of her long-awaited release from Russian custody after 294 days.
The United States secured Griner’s release after president Joe Biden agreed to a prisoner swap involving international arms dealer Viktor Bout in the past week. The 32-year-old had been wrongfully detained since February when she was found in possession of hashish oil at a Moscow airport, eventually leading to Griner receiving a nine-year sentence after being convicted of smuggling drugs with criminal intent following a monthlong trial.
In a statement obtained by ESPN, Griner’s family thanked Biden and his administration, which included former New Mexico Gov.