By John Marshall
Brittney Griner got emotional quickly.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges, the WNBA star had to take a moment to compose herself after being asked about her resiliency through the ordeal.
“I'm no stranger to hard times,” Griner said Thursday from the lobby of the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury and the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. “Just digging deep. You're going to be faced with adversities in life. This was a pretty big one. I just relied on my hard work to get through it.”
Griner's first news conference drew more than 100 people, including Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, members of the Mercury organization and her wife, Cherelle.
Griner was arrested in February 2022 at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
After nearly 10 months of strained negotiations between Washington and Moscow, Griner was exchanged in the United Arab Emirates for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on Dec. 8.
Griner kept a low profile following her return to the U.S. while adjusting to life back at home, outside of appearances at the Super Bowl, the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open and an MLK Day event in Phoenix.
Fitness in Four: Fitness expert Whitney Berger shows us some low-impact exercises that are good for people with a wide range of fitness and abilities.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers left Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills with an injury.
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter, Jr. was arrested and charged with assault on his girlfriend.
Retired Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton is teaming up with the organization RIP Medical Debt to help eliminate $10 million in medical bills for residents around the state.
Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic earned winners' medals at the U.S. Open.
Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales announced his resignation in an interview with Piers Morgan following backlash over his kiss with soccer star Jenni Hermoso following the national team's World Cup final win.
Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic came away with winners' medals at the U.S. Open.
Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium and was honored at halftime of the Patriots-Eagles game for his retirement ceremony.
Be Well: Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm Talks Bone Marrow Transplants
Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish soccer federation, announced his resignation in an interview with Piers Morgan after he faced backlash over a kiss he gave to Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso following the team's World Cup final win.
