Brittney Griner's Wife Cherelle Says ‘Today My Family Is Whole’ After WNBA Star's Prison Release
"Today's just a happy day for me and my family, so I'm gonna smile right now," Cherelle said following Griner’s release from Russian custody.
WASHINGTON D.C — After a grueling 294 days, WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is free! After a prisoner-swap of Viktor Bout for Griner, 32, in return, President Biden announced in a press conference that Griner was coming home. Although referred to the decision as a “very painful decision” to release a man charged with conspiring to kill Americans to secure the basketball star’s release, today President Biden scored a major diplomatic victory. Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” walked passed Griner during the prisoner swap. Both avoided eye contact as they walked to their respective aircraft. At this time Griner is officially back home and the wait is over…
During an emotional press conference held today by President Biden at the White House Thursday. Griner’s wife Cherelle stood behind President Biden as he released the news to the nation. Griner’s wife expressed her gratitude to President Biden stating,
“So over the last nine months, you all have been so privy to one of the darkest moments of my life, and so today I am just standing here overwhelmed with emotions, but the most important emotion I have right now is just sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration," said Cherelle.
Despite a rough 294 days, Griner has made her way back to American soil unharmed and safely back home. Here is exclusive footage of Griner on her way back home, and even better we see her smiling again.
