"It didnt come easy, I almost chose not to do it! "There aren't enough words for me to express how abundantly proud I am of you baby," Brittney, 32, wrote. Congratulations Attorney Cherelle Griner," she announced. President Biden agrees to swap Brittney Griner for Russian arms dealer. Cherelle Griner, left, wife of Olympian and WNBA player Brittney Griner, speaks after President Biden announced her release from Russian custody at the White House on Dec. 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Griner was released as part of a prisoner swap that involved Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Brittney Griner Has Finally Been Freed From Russian Prison After Pleading Guilty to Drug Charges, Why Was Brittney Griner in Russia? Cherelle Griner said her wife, WNBA star Brittney Griner, is being held "hostage" in her first interview since a Russian court sentenced the basketball player to nine years in prison for drug possession in August. WNBA player, Brittney Griner, joined the Phoenix Mercury basketball team in 2013. In July, NBC News reported that the U.S. had offered toexchange Griner and and another American detained by Russia, Paul Whelan,for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who has been serving a 25-year prison sentence. "I don't know if she has anything left in her tank to continue to wake up every day and be in a place where she has no one," Cherelle said. I miss my teammates! "Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely.". All Rights Reserved. Kalhan Rosenblatt is a reporter covering youth and internet culture for NBC News, based in New York. "Thank God I sat for the July 2022 bar examyou may now address me as Counselor," Cherelle added. Since Brittney's detainment in February, Griner has been working to bring awareness to her case through her initiative "We Are BG," which is committed to bringing all wrongfully detained Americans home. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Over the months, she had steadily put public pressure on the White House not to forget about her wife. Cherelle Griner, left, wife of Olympian and WNBA player Brittney Griner, speaks after President Biden announced her release from Russian custody at the White House on Dec. 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C. Griner was released as part of a prisoner swap that involved Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner thanked several members of the Biden administration, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBPA and Brittneys agency for doing all they could to keep the WNBA superstar in the spotlight after she was detained, sentenced and then transferred to a Russian penal colony in the final moments of her detention. The Phoenix Mercury center popped the question to Cherelle in 2018, and according to TMZ Sports, the two met while students together at Baylor. According to her LinkedIn page, Cherelle attended Baylor University between 2010 and 2014 and majored in political science and government while minoring in family and child studies. She acknowledged that many people were hoping for more details about Brittney Griner's status. .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russian custody on Dec. 8, President Joe Biden announced, per CNN, and the whole country has been busy celebrating her return since then. Im going tosit at a table, and Im going tobe clear about what I need inreturn for her release so thatwe can actually get a meeting ofthe minds between these twogovernments,'" she said. "I didn't just go to law school I went to one of THE 6 HBCU law schools remaining! Sep 1, 2017. But there was no intent. In May, the U.S. State Department reclassified Brittney as being "wrongfully detained" and transferred her case to the office of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, according to The New York Times. I miss my family! The stricken wife of WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner says she is in "one of the weakest moments of my life" over Griner's three-week detention in Russia on drug charges.. Griner, 31, who won . What Those Dreams About Cheating On Your S.O. Cherelle Griner, left, wife of Olympian and WNBA player Brittney Griner, speaks after President Biden announced her release from Russian custody at the White House on Dec. 8, 2022 in. "We're going to give her the appropriate space and time for that and then follow what Brittney and her family want to do about re-engaging with the WNBA.". Her wife even posted her first homecoming Instagram this weekend. (She previously pleaded guilty to the charges, saying that there was no intent. Additionally, the outlet shares that Cherelle requested for folks to write Brittney positive messages "using the hashtag #WeAreBG or go on weareBG.org.". This weekend, Cherelle Griner shared her first Instagram post since the WNBA star's release. The unveiling was accompanied by a video voiced by Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner. The interview comes less than three weeks before a Russian court will hear Brittney Griner's appeal of her nine-year prison sentence, which Russian forces handed down after allegedly finding her in a Moscow airport with cannabis-derived vape cartridges in February. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. She was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony, according to her lawyers. A smiling Charelle spoke to the public alongside President Joe Biden at the White House the day the WNBA star was released. "BG and I will remain committed to the work of getting every American home, including Paul," Charelle added. star Brittney Griner. According to her LinkedIn page, Cherelle began studying at North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham in August 2019. Link and info . Engelbert stressed that this is "a critical time" for the athlete and her family. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "The President held the meetings to reiterate his continued commitment to working through all available avenues to bring Brittney and Paul home safely. Her footprint is amazing for Russia. and she said YES!! "Her mental it's not there, and she told me, 'I'm really just trying to hold on to the last bit of you that I can remember. Brittney has played on the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg for the past seven years and is known there, which has prompted some to speculate whether or not her detainment will be used as leverage given what's happening with Russia and Ukraine. Griner noted that Brittney is an international basketball player that's won championships, played undefeated seasons and was awarded MVP of WNBA All-Star Weekend. She told King that she believes President Joe Biden, who has spoken to Cherelle by phone and in person, is "doing what he can" to secure her wife's release, but that she believes doing so would ultimately require the cooperation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. While an exact wedding date is not known, it looks like the couple made things official since Cherelle changed her last name to Griner on the social media app. As BG and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands; seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again!". Brittney was released in a prisoner swap that involved Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, according to CNN. Bout is known as the"Merchant of Death"and the possible swap for him was floated back in May. "I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American detainees" she wrote. Al. She had been detained in Russia since February 2022, after authorities claimed to have found cannabis concentrate in her vape cartridges at an airport near Moscow. According to the Associated Press, The Russian Customs Service said, "The cartridges were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison." Paul Whelan, another American imprisoned in Russia, was not a part of the swap. In February 2022, Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested at the Moscow airport after authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges with hashish oil. Mean, When To Say 'I Love You' For The First Time, Justin Long And Kate Bosworths Body Language, What Marriage Therapists Want You to Know. The White House says Biden assured her he's working to secure Brittneys release as soon as possible, Collins wrote. On July 4th, Brittney sent a handwritten letter to the White House, asking for President Joe Biden's help to securing her release, according to CNN. exchange Griner and and another American detained by Russia, Paul Whelan. Published on December 11, 2022 05:50 PM Brittney Griner 's wife Cherelle is opening up about their "journey to heal," and thanking those who helped her along the way, as she advocated for her. Brittney Yevette Griner (/ r a n r /; born October 18, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). I was distraught. Legal Statement. On March 5, Kagawa Colas released a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA.". The judge of a Moscow-area court found that Griner had criminal intent and said she was guilty of smuggling and storing illegal drugs. Although Cherelle met Brittney while attending Baylor University in Texas, the couple didn't date until years later after Brittney split from her now ex-wife Glory Johnson in 2016. President Joe Biden released a statement soon after Brittneys verdict was handed down, saying that it was one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.". Now, Cherelle Griner said she hopes her voice reaches . Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Johnson had announced she was pregnant via sperm donation the day before. Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, spoke out on "The View" following a Russian court denying the WNBA star's appeal on drug charges. Updated. The Mercury said in astatementthat it has been in contact with her family and representative. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. By Julianne McShane. The wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner has shared some major personal news of her own. There are people convicted of murder in Russia who [have] a sentence way less than B.G., and it just makes absolutely no sense to me. In July, the Biden administration said it had made a "substantial proposal" to Russia to have Brittney and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan returned to the U.S. without success. she announced. WNBA Phoenix Mercury basketball player Brittney Griner, right, sits next to her wife, Cherelle Griner, during the first inning of a baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee . Cherelle Griner, the wife of the WNBA star, is officially an attorney. In the letter, she asked Biden to not forget about me and the other American Detainees.. On December 8, 2022, the basketball star was released from jail in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout, officials said. Ahead of her Oct. 25 hearing, Cherelle said Brittney is "at her absoluteweakest moment in life now.". If you think about just a person's suffering and when they have suffered to a maxshe was at the max that day.". "It's not her footprint. The reality of the situationis that once that hearing isheld and the order is finalized, [she's] now in the position where she could be moved to a laborcamp. Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia on. "To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some is humanity in its purest form," Cherelle Griner wrote. ET In February 2022, Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested at the Moscow airport after authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges with hashish oil. PALMETTO, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: 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. Cherelle Griner speaks of her emotional turmoil following her wife Brittney's detention in Russia By Wayne Sterling and George Ramsay, CNN Updated 12:16 PM EDT, Wed May 25, 2022 Link. President Biden & VP Harris spoke with Brittney Griner's wife Cherelle Griner today. Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, posted an image of her and her wife Saturday on Instagram, thanking supporters and asking for privacy as the family navigates returning Brittney Griner home. She also worked as a teacher and graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in political science and government. Co-host Sunny Hostin, who's on the WNBA Board of Advocates, pointed out the pay inequity to the league compared to the NBA, saying the reason for Brittney's travels to Russia was so she could supplement her salary. This Sunday @ 10am! You tapped me on my shoulder and told me I took your milkshake (still up for debate lol) and I was immediately blown away at your beauty! Im humbled that I do not have to! Brittney and Cherelle met as undergraduates at Baylor University in Texas, according to Us Weekly. So, the fact that her contributions were not considered for sentencing was very troubling. Cherelle Griner says scheduled call never happened (1:01) Wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner claims no one was there to pick up Griner's calls because the phones at the U.S. Embassy were unstaffed. The change allows the U.S. government to negotiate for her release, instead of waiting for her trial to conclude. Brittney Griner Has Been Released by Russia Wife Cherelle Says Her Sentence Was "Political" By Anna Quintana Dec. 8 2022, Updated 1:06 p.m. Brittney had been held in a Russian prison since February, when she was arrested for allegedly carrying hashish oil in her luggage through a Russian airport, per The Athletic. He asked after the wellbeing of Elizabeth and Cherelle and their respective families during this painful time.". ", "Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia," the Griners wrote. All rights reserved. Griner told the co-hosts that the denied appeal was . Cherelle even went into depth about her second call with Brittney since she was arrested in February 2022. Quote Tweet. But as you all are aware," Cherelle Griner added. Brittney plays in Russia during the off-season. "To see that the totality of the circumstances of who she is as a person was not taken into account when they rendered a decision, it makes me feel like this at this point has to be political," Cherelle said. After nearly five months of being detained in Russia, Brittney pleaded guilty on drug charges and said in her testimony that she had no "intention" of breaking the law. The most important emotion I have right now is sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration. "I will never forget the day I met you at Baylor in the sub area! 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