After months of negotiations between the United States and Russia, WNBA star Brittney Griner was finally released on Thursday. According to reports, Griner was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal for Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms dealer who was incarcerated in the United States. Since his arrest in February, many celebrities and sports icons have shown their support for him. Many have expressed disappointment with the government’s efforts to bring her back to the country as well. Current basketball stars and legends of the game have rallied for his freedom over the past few months.
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After center Phoenix Mercury’s exit, some stars around the NBA took to Twitter to show their relief and excitement.
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Reactions from the NBA world to Brittney Griner’s exit
NBA legends Scottie Pippen and Magic Johnson, Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving and legendary basketball coach Geno Auriemma expressed their excitement about Griner’s exit.
Here are some of their reactions on Twitter:
Draymond Green on Brittney Griner: “You can only imagine what we’ve been through in the past 10 months…one of the strongest people I’ve ever known…” pic.twitter.com/kbSw4A37SN
— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) December 9, 2022
Welcome to the BG house!
Thank you for illustrating what a true warrior spirit looks like. You are still loved by so many people unconditionally. 🤞🏾♾
— Hey (@KyrieIrving) 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
Magic Johnson also shared his thoughts on former US Marine Paul Whelan, who has been in prison in Russia for almost four years now.
Let’s also get Paul Whelan back safe and sound. 🙏🏾
—Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 8, 2022
Over the past few months, the basketball community has used its platform to support Brittney Griner. The Boston Celtics initially showed their support in the 2021-22 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The players were seen wearing a ‘WE ARE BG’ jersey to introduce it to the masses. This later became the slogan of the whole movement. The WNBA ran a season-long campaign to support their star. Many past and present WNBA stars have voiced their support for the eight-time All-Star throughout the season.
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Los Angeles Lakers great LeBron James has criticized the government for its efforts to bring her back. NBA superstar Stephen Curry was also a huge voice. On several occasions, Curry spoke about the former WNBA champion and further called on the government to bring her home. He notably spoke about her during the 2022 ESPYs, which he hosted, and during the Golden State Warriors championship ring ceremony.
Stephen Curry on Brittney Griner’s exit
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Stephen Curry recently spoke about the release of Brittney Griner during Sports Illustrated2022 Sportsman of the Year Award. Curry said, “We are happy that she is home, we are happy that she has reunited with her family. This is a constant reminder for all who continue to use their platforms to talk about important issues and who can do get things done.
He then thanked President Joe Biden and his administration for securing his freedom.
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Curry then thanked Brittney Griner for her “sacrifice, perseverance and patience”. Curry gave huge props to all the athletes and activists who used their platforms to speak out on Griner’s behalf and play their part in bringing her home.