Find Station
 

Here's What Brittney Griner Said in Her First Public Statement Since Prison

Brittney Griner has spoken out for the first time since she was released from Russian prison.

According to ABC News, Griner took to Instagram on Friday (December 16), thanking her supporters and crediting her faith for helping her make it through the nearly 10-month detainment in Russia.

"It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn," Griner captioned her Instagram post. "I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help."

The post included a photo of her exiting a plane at Fort Hood earlier this month after the U.S. successfully negotiated a 1-for-1 prisoner swap involving Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner also included a picture of her wife, Cherelle.

The WNBA star specifically thanked President Joe Biden for negotiating her release but urged the administration to continue to work to bring jailed American and former marine Paul Whelan home from Russia.

"President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too," she wrote on Instagram. "I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you. I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home. Every family deserves to be whole."

Griner also shared plans to jump back into WNBA play this upcoming season.

"I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon," Griner said.

Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.

Colin Cowherd Says Tua Tagovailoa Has Become the New Tim Tebow

Jason Whitlock: America Will Quickly Lose Interest in Brittney Griner Story

Emmanuel Acho Apologizes to Chargers Fans For Doubting Justin Herbert

Colin Cowherd: Packers Shouldn't Be Afraid to Trade Aaron Rodgers

Colin Cowherd Says Patriots Are Holding Back 'Franchise QB' Mac Jones

Colin Cowherd Doubts Kyler Murray's NFL Future: 'He's Not Getting Better'

Colin Cowherd Calls Out Dak Prescott: 'He's Not a Top 10 Quarterback'

Herd Hierarchy: Colin Cowherd Ranks the Top 10 NFL Teams After Week 14

Colin Cowherd Says Tua Tagovailoa Was Exposed as a 'Poser' vs. Chargers

'All Options Are on the Table' For Tom Brady's NFL Future