Brittney Griner Plays for Team USA After Prison Release

Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in women's basketball and a member of Team USA, is preparing for the upcoming Paris Olympics with a renewed sense of purpose. Having faced significant challenges since the 2020 Tokyo Games, Griner expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to wear her Team USA jersey once again. "For me to now have the honor to wear it again and potentially win gold is icing on the cake for everything," she stated before participating in the WNBA All-Star Game. Griner's return from Russia, where she played to supplement her WNBA income, has profoundly changed her perspective on national pride. Reflecting on her first experience hearing the national anthem after her return, she noted, "It just hits different." Griner addressed criticisms regarding her past actions, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes and expressing her disbelief at being labeled "un-American." She shared her childhood aspirations of becoming a police officer or joining the military, highlighting her commitment to her country. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Griner has personal milestones to celebrate, including the birth of her son, Bash, on July 8, with her wife, Cherelle. Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the emotional weight of Griner's journey, stating that the team had been thinking of her during her absence. As Team USA prepares to compete for another gold medal, they will face Japan in their first Olympic game on July 29 in Lille, France.