Brittney Griner once walked off the court before the national anthem. But after being imprisoned in Russia for nearly 10 months, she’s had a change of heart. The WNBA star reveals what representing the USA means to her.

Griner said in 2020 that the WNBA shouldn’t play the national anthem

Brittney Griner was among the WNBA players who spoke out about the national anthem in 2020 amid a summer of racial unrest following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Griner said in 2020 that the WNBA shouldn’t play the national anthem, adding the league should “take that much of stand.” She also walked off the court before the anthem was played before a game that season.

 

Brittney Griner in the medal line

But since then, Griner has gone through tumult. She was imprisoned for nearly 10 months in Russia after she was arrested on drug charges in February 2022. The U.S. and Russia would agree to a prisoner swap and the ordeal seemed to change Griner’s stance about what “The Star-Spangled Banner” means to the country.

Griner was seen with the gold medal around her neck after the U.S. women’s basketball team defeated France at the Paris Olympics and in tears as the anthem blared.

Brittney Griner with the flag

“I didn’t think I would be here,” she said of the 2024 Paris Olympics, via Reuters. “And then to be here and winning gold for my country, representing when my country fought for me so hard to even be standing here. This gold medal is going to hold a special place among the other two I was fortunate to win.”

A’ja Wilson called Griner a “warrior” as she described the Phoenix Mercury center’s time with Team USA more than two years after her arrest abroad.

U.S. head coach Chery Reeve added that Griner was “grateful” to be with Team USA.

Brittney Griner with tears in her eyes

“She was so thankful to be here… I think we all should just keep checking on her because it’s unfathomable what she went through,” Reeve said.

Related Posts

Caitlin Clark 20

Is Caitlin Clark overhyped? Analyst challenges her to NBA showdown with Stephen Curry or Lebron James  Caitlin Clark, the WNBA phenom and 2024 TIME Athlete of the Year, has once…

[DE] Unseen Heartbreaking Video

Unseen Heartbreaking Video of Liam Payne Singing an Unreleased Track Leaves Fans in Tears – A Moment No One Expected!  A heartbreaking unseen video of Liam Payne…

Caitlin Clark 16

While Caitlin Clark Shines as Athlete of the Year, Horrible Trouble Looms for Her Boyfriend Connor McCaffery: What Went Wrong?  The Butler Bulldogs‘ season just got a…

Caitlin Clark 19

Caitlin Clark told to make new career move by former team-mate – ‘Maybe it’s time to…’  Caitlin Clark enjoyed a remarkable 2024 WNBA season, breaking a number…

[DE] Cheryl Cheers for Liam

Cheryl Steals the Spotlight as She Cheers for Liam Payne During Her Heartwarming Audience Interview at X Factor UK 2017!  Cheryl’s Heartwarming Support for Liam Payne at…

Caitlin Clark 18

Caitlin Clark Gave A Shocking Response to LeBron James’ Excused Absence – Is She Aiming to Take Over His Place?  The professional basketball community is not as…