On October 6, 2019, Brittney Griner made her WNBA preseason debut with the Phoenix Mercury after spending time in detention in Russia. Griner, a six-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA champion, had been detained in Russia after a dispute with her former team, UMMC Ekaterinburg. The dispute stemmed from Griner’s refusal to play for the team due to their failure to pay her salary.
Griner’s detention in Russia was a difficult situation for the WNBA and the Phoenix Mercury, as she is one of the most recognizable faces in the league. After being detained for over two weeks, Griner was finally released and allowed to return to the United States.
The Phoenix Mercury welcomed Griner back with open arms and were eager to get her back on the court. Griner made her preseason debut on October 6th, playing against the Los Angeles Sparks. She scored 13 points and had five rebounds in the game, showing that she was still in top form despite her time away from the court.
Griner’s return to the court is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. She has shown that she is not only a talented basketball player, but also a strong and determined individual who will not be deterred from achieving her goals.
Griner’s return to the court is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. Her refusal to play for a team that was not paying her salary is an example of how athletes should not be taken advantage of by their teams or organizations.
Griner’s return to the court is also a reminder of the power of the WNBA and its players. Her story is an example of how the league and its players can come together to support each other and fight for what is right.
Overall, Brittney Griner’s return to the court after her detention in Russia is an inspiring story of strength and determination. Her story serves as an example of how athletes should stand up for themselves and fight for what is right. It is also a reminder of the power of the WNBA and its players to come together and support each other in times of need.
