Fox News' Nick Kalman contributed to this report. WNBA player, Brittney Griner, joined the Phoenix Mercury basketball team in 2013. Russian officials said Griner was . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Cherelle went on to share her sadness with attendees at Glamour's 2022 Women of the Year Ceremony. Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury celebrates after the team defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-84. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File), "[Biden] just mentioned this work is not easy. What has Cherelle said about Brittneys detainment? This weekend, Cherelle Griner shared her first Instagram post since the WNBA star's release. By Julianne McShane. Griner told the co-hosts that the denied appeal was . Brittney Griner is one of the best athletes in the WNBA and she always has her sweetheart, Cherelle Griner, cheering her on from the sidelines. During the prosecution's closing arguments, they asked the court to sentence the WNBA star to 9 1/2 years in prison. 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.". Brittney Griner Rocks an Eagles Jersey at Super Bowl 2023 in Third Public Appearance Since Return to U.S. Brittney Griner and Wife Cherelle Plan to Help Families of Other Political Prisoners, Brittney Griner's Wife Cherelle Says 'Today My Family Is Whole' After WNBA Star's Prison Release, Cherelle Griner on Wife Brittney's Emotional Homecoming After Release from Russia: 'We're Holding on Tight'. . 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. Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, speaks during a rally. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Ahead of her Oct. 25 hearing, Cherelle said Brittney is "at her absoluteweakest moment in life now.". The exchange agreement between Griner and Bout was reportedly negotiated with Moscow and approved Biden last Thursday. 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. 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. "Please do all you can to bring us home.". In between her law work, Cherelle and Brittney have been advocating for the release of Americans since Brittney returned home in December after a 10-month detainment in Russia. 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.". Brittney Griner, 32, married Cherelle Watson, who has since changed her name to Cherelle Griner in June 2019. Their wedding was featured in The New York Times "Vows" column, but the romance did not last. 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. "This could happen to anybody and we should be praying that we have a country that recognizes the importance of that and are willing to actually go get our Americans and bring them back home.". In her first Instagram post since Brittney's return to the U.S. this week, Cherelle who married the WNBA star in 2019 wrote that her "heart was made whole thanks to the collective efforts of MANY," as she shared a collage of faces who helped Brittney get back home. ", Griner also had the opportunity to speak with Brittney a week before her the appeal hearing. "There aren't enough words for me. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin said that her situation is "only made worse" by the country's history of homophobic persecution. Brittney is a two-time Olympic gold medalist that plays professional basketball for Phoenix Mercury, but flew out to Russia during the WNBA's off-season to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg. Cherelle will hopefully rest easily now that Brittney is coming home. Legal Statement. 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. Heres what you need to know. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Mens Health, Womens Health, Self, Glamour, and more. "I feel like at this pointits going to take Putin to havethat same mindset and say, 'Youknow what? I was distraught. The change allows the U.S. government to negotiate for her release, instead of waiting for her trial to conclude. Griner was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow on Feb. 17 after Russian authorities said she had vape cartridges with cannabis oil inside her luggage. For more on Brittney Griner, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day. The State Department has issued a do not travel advisory for U.S. citizens thinking of heading to Russia and urged all U.S. citizens to leave immediately as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates. 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. Brittney Griner is gonna try the marriage thing again -- the WNBA star just proposed to her longtime girlfriend with a fat ring . 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. Paul Whelan, another American imprisoned in Russia, was not a part of the swap. The Phoenix Mercury center popped the question to Cherelle in 2018, and according to TMZ Sports, the two met while students together at Baylor. He asked after the wellbeing of Elizabeth and Cherelle and their respective families during this painful time.". 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. Griner is "in good health" and will be "offered a wide range of support options" as she returns home, a senior White House official said Thursday. WNBA star Brittney Griner celebrated her wife Cherelle's major accomplishment after the 30-year-old law student officially became a lawyer over the weekend. "She's great for Russia.". Cherelles other posts about her wife celebrated four years together: Before Brittney was freed, Cherelle also posted several IG Stories, including various prayer vigils in honor of her wife, and other accounts' posts supporting Brittney. She was previously placed in Moscow jail in February 2022 and was charged with drug smuggling. Cherelle, who graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law last spring while Brittney was imprisoned in Russia, said the feat "didn't come easy" and admitted she "almost chose not to do it," in the caption of her post announcing the news. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Joe Biden met with the wife of Brittney Griner, who remains in a Russian prison. Natasha Dye is a writer-reporter for PEOPLE Digital covering sports. She has a masters degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day. And, I my brain cant evenfathom it," Cherelle added. Market data provided by Factset. 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. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images). This Sunday @ 10am! Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, said she last heard her spouse's voice on Feb. 17, the day the WNBA star was detained in Russia. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. Congratulations Attorney Cherelle Griner," she announced. Thank God I sat for the July 2022 bar exam you may now address me as Counselor!" She also worked as a teacher and graduated from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in political science and government. Brittney and Cherelle got married in 2019, according to Us Weekly. The White House says Biden assured her he's working to secure Brittneys release as soon as possible, Collins wrote. When asked about the possibility of Brittney's nine-year sentence being politically motivated, Cherelle shared that "there's no other way for [her] to see it except the fact that this is political. 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 wife's return from a Russian prison for several months. The 31-year-old native Houstonian was a member of Team USAs 2016 gold medal team during 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and a member of the 2014 WNBA Championship team, Phoenix Mercury, according to her WNBA bio. Bout is known as the"Merchant of Death"and the possible swap for him was floated back in May. The wife of WNBA star Brittney Griner has shared some major personal news of her own. "Today my family is whole," she said. To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some is humanity in its purest form!" Biden "appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Brittney and Paul from those who love them most, and acknowledged that every minute they are being held is a minute too long," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her readout of the meeting. Her sentence was upheld in October, and she was later transferred to a penal colony. The Phoenix Mercury center popped the. Brittney Griners Wife Shares First Photos Since The WNBA Stars Release From Russian Prison, WNBA All-Star Liz Cambage On Mental Health, Rosala And Rauw Alejandros Body Language, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. But as you all are aware," Cherelle Griner added. 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). Brittney appealed to President Joe Biden, asking him to come to her aid and bring her home. Fox News Lucas Tomlinson reports on WNBA player Brittney Griner being freed from Russia in a prisoner swap for merchant of death Viktor Bout. Griner's wife Cherelle thanks Biden, saying she is "overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude". I miss my family! 1.1K 149K views 2 months ago #brittneygriner #wnba #abcnews ABC News White House correspondent MaryAlice Parks provides the latest on Brittney Griner's reunion with wife Cherelle and Patrick. "It just seems like my wife is a hostage," Cherelle Griner said in her first interview since a Russian court sentenced Brittney Griner to nine years in prison for drug possession. He just mentioned that this work is not easy, and it hasnt been, she said, adding that she also remembered the family of Paul Whelan, another American who remains imprisoned in Russia. USA Basketball tweeted that it was closely monitoring the situation. "To be able to see first hand the hard work, determination, and passion you had during this journey of becoming an attorney! Quote Tweet. "I appreciate each and every one of you," Cherelle continued. "To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some is humanity in its purest form," Cherelle Griner wrote. They most recently urged the Biden administration to help journalist Evan Gershkovitch, who was recently detained in Russia. The basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir about her nearly 10 months behind bars in Russia, she said on Tuesday, adding that she hoped the . The most important emotion I have right now is sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration. Cherelle said that he had spoken to Brittney twice by phone while she has been detained, describing the more recent call as "the most disturbing phone call I'd ever experienced.". "I beg that the court takes in all of the stakes that was overlooked in the first court and reassess my sentence here," Brittney said, adding that it has been "traumatic" to be away from her family. Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on drug charges, was released in a one-for-one prisoner swap for international arms dealer Viktor Bout on Thursday, CBS News reported, citing a U.S. official. 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. Shes also won several "Player of the Year" awards and is a six-time WNBA All-Star. This was no easy feat, and truthfully I didn't even know I could do it," Cherelle wrote. ", "Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan's detainment in Russia," the Griners wrote. Sue Bird On Being The Oldest WNBA Player Before that, Brittney was married to. Now, Cherelle Griner said she hopes her voice reaches . 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 . 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. 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. This content is imported from twitter. 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. Brittney landed back in the United States on Friday, Dec. 9, after 10 months of captivity, according to The New York Times. She met her wife, Cherelle Griner, while they both attended Baylor University as undergraduates. "There aren't enough words for me to express how abundantly proud I am of you baby," Brittney, 32, wrote. left, and by the time she landed there was an e-mail from the WNBA that was saying if you're going to Russia we recommend you not go and if you're already there we recommend you come home, but it was too late. she wrote in the caption. 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 . 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.". WNBA star Brittney Griner's wife has posted on Instagram about the Phoenix Mercury player's detention in Russia. "We all admire the courage of the Whelan and Griner families in the face of these unimaginable circumstances, and we remain committed to reuniting them with their loved ones," she continued. Sep 1, 2017. Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle made an appearance at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, following the WNBA star's December release from a Russian prison. "Let's continue to use our hands, voices, platforms, and resources to bring Paul [Whelan] and all Americans home. ", Last week, Brittney appeared virtually for an appeal hearing and urged the court to reassess her sentence and apologized for her "mistake.". President Biden met Friday at the White House with Cherelle Griner, the . You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. On Dec. 8, 2022, the world learned that President Joe Biden had struck a deal with Russia to bring Brittney home. Before that, Brittney was married to fellow WNBA player Glory Johnson back in 2015. 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