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WNBA player Brittney Griner is back in the United States after spending a year in prison in Russia after pleading guilty to drug possession.
Griner’s head coach Vanessa Nygaard was expecting a much fuller arena at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
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“How was it not a sellout?” Nygaard asked.
“I mean, it was great,” Nygaard said. “But like honestly, c’mon now LA. We didn’t sell out the arena for BG?”
“Like, I expected more, you know, to be honest. Right, it was great, it was loud. But how was it not a sellout? How was it not a sellout?” she asked.
Griner has faced severe backlash over her past stance on the National Anthem and public criticism of the United States. She previously refused to stand the National Anthem during athletic events.
Griner was sentenced to nine years in the country, which is known for its harsh penalties.
President Biden traded notorious Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout, who was serving a 25-year US prison sentence, in exchange for Griner’s freedom.
She’s changed her tune following her arrest and imprisonment in Russia.
“Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different,” Griner said. “It’s like when you go for the Olympics, you’re sitting there, about to get gold put on your neck, the flags are going up, and the anthem is playing, it just hits different.”
Phoenix Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard said, “We looked at each other, and we just had chills.”
“We were here last year for all of it. I’m getting emotional about it now. Just to see her back out there — it’s an absolute miracle. It was amazing. It’s giving me chills again.”
Griner had 18 points during her game in Los Angeles as well as six rebounds, four blocks and two assists.
Her team lost, but it was a “big moment” as she returned to the court for the first time since 2021.
She missed all of last season as she was jailed in Russia.
