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Brittney Griner‘s on her means again residence … and lots on U.S. soil are celebrating her freedom — together with Barack Obama, the NBA and the WNBA.
All three launched statements following the information of the 32-year-old’s launch from Russian custody — with Obama saying he is “grateful” … whereas praising Joe Biden for serving to facilitate the commerce.
“Kudos to @POTUS and his administration for the troublesome diplomatic work concerned to make it occur,” Obama stated. “We’re wanting ahead to having Brittney again residence.”
The commissioners of the NBA and WNBA, in the meantime, each stated they, too, are “thrilled” with Thursday’s prisoner swap.
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Brittney Griner Freed, U.S.-Russia Agree To Prisoner Swap
“The WNBA is grateful past measure to the Biden Administration, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and all those that performed a task in bringing BG residence at present,” Cathy Engelbert stated.
Added Adam Silver, “We thank the members of the NBA and WNBA neighborhood who by no means wavered of their efforts to boost consciousness of Brittney’s unjust circumstances.”
Griner had been detained in Russia since February … after authorities accused her of getting cannabis oil in her baggage as a Moscow airport. She was slated to stay in a Russian jail for the subsequent 9 years — however after the U.S. agreed to commerce arms vendor Viktor Bout, she was allowed to return residence Thursday.
Moments in the past I spoke to Brittney Griner.
She is protected.
She is on a aircraft.
She is on her means residence. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT— President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2022
@POTUS
Biden stated he spoke with the WNBA star after making the commerce, saying she was “in good spirits.” Her spouse, Cherelle Griner, stated she felt like her household is now “entire” once more.
Kyrie Irving and Hillary Clinton had been amongst different celebs, athletes and politicians who shared their pleasure over the information on their social media pages Thursday.
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Micah Parsons Apologizes After Slamming Biden Over Griner Deal
Not all, nevertheless, have been thrilled with prisoner swap — with some, together with Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, upset that wrongfully imprisoned Marine Paul Whelan was not included within the deal.
But Biden and different U.S. officers stated Thursday they’re nonetheless working tireless to deliver him residence … with the president saying in an handle to the nation, “We should not giving up. We won’t ever surrender.”