Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player and center in the WNBA.

Brittney Griner is an American professional basketball player and center in the WNBA. She is a multiple-time Olympic gold medalist and became widely known in 2022 after being detained in Russia on drug-related charges and later released in a prisoner exchange.

Early life and education

Brittney Griner was born in Houston, Texas, in 1990. She played college basketball at Baylor University, where she became one of the most prominent players in the sport.

Professional basketball career

Griner was the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft and has played at the center position. She spent most of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury before later joining the Atlanta Dream.

International career and awards

Griner has been a major figure on the U.S. women's national team and won three Olympic gold medals. She has also been selected as a WNBA All-Star multiple times.

Detention in Russia

In 2022, Griner was detained in Russia after authorities said they found cannabis oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. She was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison before being released in a prisoner swap later that year.