Nearly five months after she was released from Russian detention, WNBA star Brittney Griner says it feels “a little overwhelming” to return to public life given the widespread interest in her case. Griner spent nearly 300 days in custody before being released as part of a prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December.
” ‘Surreal feeling’ The 32-year-old Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison under drug-smuggling charges after authorities in Russia found cannabis oil in her luggage before her release last year. She has since said she will never go overseas to play again – something many WNBA players do to earn more money. “It is a surreal feeling, being back in my Phoenix jersey – just being back in the arena, taking it all in,” said Griner.