Brittney Griner speaks publicly for first time since Russian detainment

An emotional Brittney Griner publicly spoke for the first time since being wrongfully detained in Russia for nearly 300 days as she recounted her first moments on US soil.

She explained what the mental & physical challenges of ramping up back to game speed have been like and addressed whether she’ll ever play basketball overseas again.

Her work away from the court is just getting started, however, as she continues to spread the word for American detainees overseas through the “Bring Our Families Home” Campaign.

Hear from Griner in the clip above.

Extra sights and sounds from the press conference:

See more

#BrittneyGriner is welcomed by a standing ovation.@Sports360AZ#WNBATwitter #WeAreBG @Winsidr pic.twitter.com/VWMhzTFv4w

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) April 27, 2023

See more

New “Bring Our Families Home” mural unveiled on the 1st Street side of Footprint Center.

Artist: Antoinette Cauley @brittneygriner @Sports360AZ #WNBATwitter pic.twitter.com/ALx3mKogee

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) April 27, 2023

See more

“I’m never going overseas to play again…unless it’s to represent the USA [with the National Team].”

– #BrittneyGriner@Sports360AZ #WeAreBG https://t.co/sGttO1Y1iu

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) April 27, 2023