Brittney Griner says she will ‘continue to fight to bring home every American detained overseas’

Brittney Griner appeared at a girls’s empowerment luncheon Thursday in New York held by Rev. Al Sharpton, days after asserting she’ll be releasing a memoir detailing her Russian jail expertise.

Griner thanked those that advocated for her release and stated she desires to return the favor.

“Everybody on this room that got here collectively, that despatched up each prayer, it reached me whereas I used to be there,” Griner stated. “I wish to proceed to struggle to convey house each American detained abroad.”

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Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury poses for a portrait Jan. 13, 2022, on the Mercury observe facility in Phoenix, Ariz.  (Barry Gossage/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)

Griner’s launch got here with some backlash as a result of she was introduced house in trade for Russian arms vendor Viktor Bout whereas retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan remained in a Russian jail.

Sharpton offered Griner with an award, saluting the energy she exhibited throughout her detainment.

Grinder stated she had a “harrowing expertise” in Russia.

“I arrived in Moscow to rejoin the UMMC Ekaterinburg basketball workforce and was instantly detained on the airport. That day was the start of an unfathomable interval in my life which solely now am I able to share,” Griner wrote in a post on Instagram. 

Brittney Griner after her launch from a Russian Jail. (U.S. Military South photograph/Miguel Negron)

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“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was as a result of I needed to make my spouse, household, and teammates proud. After an extremely difficult 10 months in detainment, I’m grateful to have been rescued and to be house. Readers will hear my story and perceive why I’m so grateful for the outpouring of assist from individuals the world over.”

Her e book will spotlight her practically 10-month-long detainment, her trial, the efforts to convey her house and the start of the #WeAreBG motion. 

The Phoenix Mercury displayed Brittney Griner No. 42 towels previous to a sport in opposition to the Chicago Sky Aug. 14, 2022, at Footprint Middle in Phoenix, Ariz. (Barry Gossage/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)

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Griner will be back with the Phoenix Mercury for the upcoming WNBA season.