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  4. How Brittney Griner's journey to basketball glory led her to become Vladimir Putin's prized political pawn

How Brittney Griner's journey to basketball glory led her to become Vladimir Putin's prized political pawn

Meredith Cash   

How Brittney Griner's journey to basketball glory led her to become Vladimir Putin's prized political pawn
Brittney Griner.Michael Hickey/Getty Images
  • Brittney Griner has spent more than eight months in Russian prison for possession of marijuana.
  • Before her wrongful detainment, Griner was en route to a historic, record-breaking basketball career.

Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia for more than eight months.

But before her February arrest — when officials at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage — the 6-foot-9 Houston native was best known for her incredible abilities on the basketball court.

From growing up in and around Houston, Texas, and discovering her basketball talent in early high school to becoming a NCAA hoops sensation and, eventually, a WNBA superstar well on her way to the Hall of Fame, Griner enjoyed a rapid and surreal rise to basketball glory.

But even more suddenly, her entire life has been ripped away from her.

Here is the story of how a gangly Texan grew into a generational talent — and eventually became Vladimir Putin's prized bargaining chip.

At present, Brittney Griner is famous across the globe for being essentially a political prisoner caught in the middle of a geopolitical standoff.

At present, Brittney Griner is famous across the globe for being essentially a political prisoner caught in the middle of a geopolitical standoff.
Brittney Griner.      Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool/AP Photo

But before her February 2022 arrest in Russia, Griner was best known for her unprecedented abilities on the hardwood.

But before her February 2022 arrest in Russia, Griner was best known for her unprecedented abilities on the hardwood.
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

She was born in Houston on October 18, 1990.

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

 

Her dad, Raymond, is a Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War and went on to become a Harris County police officer.

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

 

Mom, Sandra, stayed at home to look after Brittney and her sister, Pier, who is five years older.

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

 

Griner also has two half-siblings — DeCarlo (17 years older) and SheKera (10 years older) — with whom she grew up so close that they "consider each other full blood" relatives, Brittney wrote in her autobiography.

Griner also has two half-siblings — DeCarlo (17 years older) and SheKera (10 years older) — with whom she grew up so close that they "consider each other full blood" relatives, Brittney wrote in her autobiography.
AP Photo/Jack Plunkett

Source: "In My Skin"

Raymond was always incredibly protective of his family, and Brittney remembered him having "so many damn rules" in an attempt to keep her safe and "on the right path."

Raymond was always incredibly protective of his family, and Brittney remembered him having "so many damn rules" in an attempt to keep her safe and "on the right path."
Brittney Griner.      AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Source: "In My Skin"

She was rarely allowed to spend time with friends outside of school, and between that, her stature, and her tomboyish appearance, Griner was a regular target of bullying throughout middle school, she wrote.

She was rarely allowed to spend time with friends outside of school, and between that, her stature, and her tomboyish appearance, Griner was a regular target of bullying throughout middle school, she wrote.
AP Photo/Dino Vournas

Source: "In My Skin"

In a desperate bid to be "normal," Griner recalled "wishing away so much of what would eventually make me successful at basketball: my size, strength, and tenacity."

In a desperate bid to be "normal," Griner recalled "wishing away so much of what would eventually make me successful at basketball: my size, strength, and tenacity."
Brittney Griner.      AP Photo/Eric Gay

Source: "In My Skin"

But in a few years, she'd discover her one-of-a-kind gift through happenstance.

But in a few years, she
Stewart (left) drives on Griner during a 2018 matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm.      AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Griner played volleyball and soccer throughout childhood, but in ninth grade, her high school's varsity basketball coach saw some hoops potential in the 6-foot freshman.

Griner played volleyball and soccer throughout childhood, but in ninth grade, her high school
Brittney Griner with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.      AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Source: "In My Skin"

She asked Griner to consider giving basketball a try, and though her "skills were trash" at that point, she was decent enough to make the junior varsity team.

She asked Griner to consider giving basketball a try, and though her "skills were trash" at that point, she was decent enough to make the junior varsity team.
Louisville players surround Baylor's Brittney Griner during the Cardinals 2013 NCAA tournament upset.      AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Source: "In My Skin"

That arrangement lasted all of six games, when the shot-blocking, paint-dominating Griner got promoted to the varsity squad.

That arrangement lasted all of six games, when the shot-blocking, paint-dominating Griner got promoted to the varsity squad.
Griner (right) defends Nneka Ogwumike during a 2014 game between the Mercury and Ogwumike's Los Angeles Sparks.      AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Source: "In My Skin"

That same year, Griner began to make strides personally; she embraced her sexuality and started to come out as gay to some of her peers, as well as her mom.

That same year, Griner began to make strides personally; she embraced her sexuality and started to come out as gay to some of her peers, as well as her mom.
Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury walks hand and hand with wife Cherelle Watson after defeating the Dallas Wings at Feld Entertainment Center on August 10, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida.      Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

By the time she started her sophomore year, three inches taller with improved skills and a remarkable ability to dunk on a regulation rim, Griner caught the attention of both college programs and the media.

By the time she started her sophomore year, three inches taller with improved skills and a remarkable ability to dunk on a regulation rim, Griner caught the attention of both college programs and the media.
REUTERS/Mike Stone

And by the end of her sophomore year, when the 6-foot-6 star had broken out to average 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game, she had really solidified her position as a top recruiting target for major Division I programs.

And by the end of her sophomore year, when the 6-foot-6 star had broken out to average 22 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game, she had really solidified her position as a top recruiting target for major Division I programs.
REUTERS/Tim Sharp

Source: "In My Skin"

Despite all the hype surrounding her — and the fact that she could've had her pick of any number of top-tier colleges — Griner "only had eyes for Baylor" from the very beginning.

Despite all the hype surrounding her — and the fact that she could
Brittney Griner (right) and Kim Mulkey share a moment at Baylor.      AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Source: "In My Skin"

Griner liked the idea of staying close to home, going to school on a relatively small campus, and playing for Hall of Fame head coach Kim Mulkey — whose "intense, tough-talking authority" reminded her of her father.

Griner liked the idea of staying close to home, going to school on a relatively small campus, and playing for Hall of Fame head coach Kim Mulkey — whose "intense, tough-talking authority" reminded her of her father.
Mulkey (right) and Griner during a 2013 press conference.      AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Source: "In My Skin"

And so, the summer after that breakout sophomore season, Griner committed to Mulkey's Baylor Bears.

And so, the summer after that breakout sophomore season, Griner committed to Mulkey
REUTERS/Mark Leffingwell

Even despite tumult in her home life towards the end of high school, Griner was excelling on the hardwood; she averaged 33 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 11.7 blocks per game during her senior season.

Even despite tumult in her home life towards the end of high school, Griner was excelling on the hardwood; she averaged 33 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 11.7 blocks per game during her senior season.
REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Less than a year later, when she arrived at Baylor's campus in Waco, Texas, she was ready to keep up that momentum.

Less than a year later, when she arrived at Baylor
REUTERS/Rick Wilking

And she did — starting all 35 games and averaging 18.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.4 blocks per game during her inaugural campaign.

And she did — starting all 35 games and averaging 18.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6.4 blocks per game during her inaugural campaign.
REUTERS/Mike Stone

But Year 1 in Waco came with its fair share of hiccups, like the time Griner forgot her sneakers and ran the team's timed mile in Vans.

But Year 1 in Waco came with its fair share of hiccups, like the time Griner forgot her sneakers and ran the team
REUTERS/Tim Sharp

Or, more seriously, when she lost her temper during an already physical game and punched Texas Tech's Jordan Barncastle in the face, breaking her nose.

Or, more seriously, when she lost her temper during an already physical game and punched Texas Tech
AP Photo/LM Otero

Source: ESPN

But she wrote that she grew from the experience through mandated community service, writing Barncastle an apology letter, and — perhaps most notably — going to therapy and learning to control her emotions.

But she wrote that she grew from the experience through mandated community service, writing Barncastle an apology letter, and — perhaps most notably — going to therapy and learning to control her emotions.
AP Photo/Zach Long

Source: "In My Skin"

Once again, Griner managed to excel on the court despite tumult she was facing off of it; 23 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game her sophomore year were good enough for First Team All-America honors.

Once again, Griner managed to excel on the court despite tumult she was facing off of it; 23 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game her sophomore year were good enough for First Team All-America honors.
AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Griner improved on her already remarkable numbers during her junior season. Averaging 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game, she led Baylor to an undefeated season and a national title.

Griner improved on her already remarkable numbers during her junior season. Averaging 23.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game, she led Baylor to an undefeated season and a national title.
REUTERS/Mark Leffingwell

The 6-foot-9 superstar continued her dominance as a senior, going on to become the only NCAA basketball player — man or woman — to score 2,000 career points and block 500 career shots.

The 6-foot-9 superstar continued her dominance as a senior, going on to become the only NCAA basketball player — man or woman — to score 2,000 career points and block 500 career shots.
REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Nearly a decade after she left college, Griner's 748 career blocks still stand as the most by a single player — regardless of gender — in NCAA history.

Nearly a decade after she left college, Griner
AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

To no one's surprise, Griner was the top pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft.

To no one
AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Once she arrived in Phoenix and teamed up with stars Diana Taurasi and Candice Dupree, she was almost immediately able to help bring the Mercury to new heights.

Once she arrived in Phoenix and teamed up with stars Diana Taurasi and Candice Dupree, she was almost immediately able to help bring the Mercury to new heights.
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Griner found success early in her WNBA career, earning a WNBA All-Star bid as a rookie and leading the league with 3.0 blocks per game.

Griner found success early in her WNBA career, earning a WNBA All-Star bid as a rookie and leading the league with 3.0 blocks per game.
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File

Her numbers improved the next year en route to another All-Star nod, and with new head coach Sandy Brondello at the helm, the Mercury thrived.

Her numbers improved the next year en route to another All-Star nod, and with new head coach Sandy Brondello at the helm, the Mercury thrived.
AP Photo/Matt York

They set the record for most regular-season wins in WNBA history, then swept the Chicago Sky to bring the franchise's third WNBA championship trophy back to Phoenix.

They set the record for most regular-season wins in WNBA history, then swept the Chicago Sky to bring the franchise
AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Off the court, Griner got engaged to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson in August 2014 and the couple married the following May, despite a well-publicized domestic incident just two weeks earlier.

Police arrested both Griner and Johnson at their home in suburban Phoenix on April 22, 2015 after responding to a report of a fight between the two. On May 15, the WNBA suspended both Griner and Johnson for seven games each after Griner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct charges and agreed to 26 weeks of domestic violence counseling. Johnson ultimately pleaded not guilty and the charges against her were dismissed. 

Source: The New York Times, AP

Johnson gave birth to twins, conceived through IVF, in October 2015. But the couple ultimately divorced eight months later.

A post shared by Glory B. Johnson (@missvol25)

 

Source: AP

In August 2018, Griner became engaged to Cherelle Watson. The couple married nine months later.

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

 

Over the course of her WNBA career, Griner has led the league in scoring twice and blocks eight times. She's played in eight All-Star games, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and has been named to six All-WNBA teams.

Over the course of her WNBA career, Griner has led the league in scoring twice and blocks eight times. She
AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

While still in the middle of her career, she was named one of the WNBA's 25 greatest players of all-time, as signified by her inclusion on the WNBA 25th Anniversary Team.

While still in the middle of her career, she was named one of the WNBA
Candace Parker (left) and Brittney Griner battle for the ball.      AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Her success extended beyond the WNBA as well.

Her success extended beyond the WNBA as well.
REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

She helped lead Team USA to gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She helped lead Team USA to gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Griner (right) and Wilson celebrate winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics.      AP Photo/Luca Bruno

And she's also won two FIBA World Cups with USA Basketball.

And she
AP Photo Andres Gutierrez

During the WNBA off-season, Griner would also routinely travel overseas to supplement her relatively modest US salary from the league.

During the WNBA off-season, Griner would also routinely travel overseas to supplement her relatively modest US salary from the league.
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

She played in China for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls after her rookie WNBA season.

She played in China for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls after her rookie WNBA season.
STR/AFP via Getty Images

But from the following year, she played in Russia for European juggernaut UMMC Ekaterinburg.

But from the following year, she played in Russia for European juggernaut UMMC Ekaterinburg.
BSR Agency/Getty Images

The oligarch-owned championship factory employed countless WNBA superstars, and Griner reportedly commanded a seven-figure salary to play there each winter.

The oligarch-owned championship factory employed countless WNBA superstars, and Griner reportedly commanded a seven-figure salary to play there each winter.
REUTERS/Murad Sezer

It was no wonder Griner played there for eight consecutive off-seasons; she and her fellow American teammates were treated likely royalty during their time overseas.

It was no wonder Griner played there for eight consecutive off-seasons; she and her fellow American teammates were treated likely royalty during their time overseas.
Griner and her UMMC Ekaterinburg teammates celebrate winning the EuroLeague.      REUTERS/Murad Sezer

And for good reason; with Griner at their disposal, Ekaterinburg won three Russian National League titles and four EuroLeague championships.

And for good reason; with Griner at their disposal, Ekaterinburg won three Russian National League titles and four EuroLeague championships.
Elif Ozturk/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

But the tides turned in 2022, as Russian-American relations grew increasingly fraught under President Vladimir Putin's threat to invade neighboring Ukraine.

But the tides turned in 2022, as Russian-American relations grew increasingly fraught under President Vladimir Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) looks on Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) during a military parade in Pskov, Russia, on March,1, 2020.      Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

By the time Griner boarded a plane to Russia to rejoin Ekat for the second leg of the 2021-2022 season, the WNBA had begun warning players to abort plans for playing in the country.

By the time Griner boarded a plane to Russia to rejoin Ekat for the second leg of the 2021-2022 season, the WNBA had begun warning players to abort plans for playing in the country.
BSR Agency/Getty Images

But it was too late. Griner landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on February 17 and, upon going through security, was found to have smuggled vapes with 0.702 grams of cannabis oil in her luggage.

But it was too late. Griner landed at Moscow
REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

She maintains that, while packing hurriedly prior to her flight, she forgot to clear her bag and inadvertently brought her prescribed medicinal marijuana in her luggage.

She maintains that, while packing hurriedly prior to her flight, she forgot to clear her bag and inadvertently brought her prescribed medicinal marijuana in her luggage.
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

Griner was arrested and taken into Russian custody shortly thereafter, and just one week after she was first detained, Putin began Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Griner was arrested and taken into Russian custody shortly thereafter, and just one week after she was first detained, Putin began Russia
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

The US deemed Griner wrongfully detained in May, signaling that her home country believed her to be a political prisoner.

The US deemed Griner wrongfully detained in May, signaling that her home country believed her to be a political prisoner.
Dmitry Serebryakov/AP Photo

And when, half a year after her initial arrest, Griner was convicted and sentenced to a disproportionate nine years in Russian prison, US President Joe Biden reinforced those sentiments.

And when, half a year after her initial arrest, Griner was convicted and sentenced to a disproportionate nine years in Russian prison, US President Joe Biden reinforced those sentiments.
Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool/Reuters

Griner lost her appeal in late October, all but guaranteeing that she'll spend time at one of Russia's infamous penal colonies.

Griner lost her appeal in late October, all but guaranteeing that she
Griner appears virtually at an appeal hearing.      REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

It's unclear which one she'll be sent to, but the most notorious in the system feature forced labor, regular abuse, and rampant disease.

It
AP Photo/Yuri Tutov

Her only hopes of a timely return stateside involve a prisoner exchange between Russia and the US.

Her only hopes of a timely return stateside involve a prisoner exchange between Russia and the US.
Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool/Reuters

The White House has reportedly offered to release infamous Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to secure the freedom of Griner and ex-US Marine Paul Whelan.

The White House has reportedly offered to release infamous Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to secure the freedom of Griner and ex-US Marine Paul Whelan.
In this Oct. 5, 2010, file photo, suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout, center, is led by armed Thai police commandoes as he arrives at the criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand.      AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong, File

But the Kremlin has yet to respond with a reasonable counteroffer, the US government says.

But the Kremlin has yet to respond with a reasonable counteroffer, the US government says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends an awarding ceremony for Russian team members who won medals at the Winter Paraltmpic games on March 17, 2014 in Sochi, Russia.      Photo by Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Griner is rapidly losing her mental strength, according to her wife and attorneys, and she fears having to complete her entire sentence under brutal conditions.

Meanwhile, Griner is rapidly losing her mental strength, according to her wife and attorneys, and she fears having to complete her entire sentence under brutal conditions.
Brittney Griner.      Kirill Kudryavtsev/Pool via REUTERS

Readers can learn more about what Griner could face in one of Russia's penal colonies below:

Readers can learn more about what Griner could face in one of Russia
Brittney Griner.      REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool

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