Brittney Griner, ex-anthem protester, reacts differently after Russian prison experience.

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Stands for National Anthem in First Game Back

Brittney Griner, the WNBA player who made headlines for protesting the national anthem, had a change of heart in her first game back with the Phoenix Mercury since being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months. The basketball star stood as the anthem was played, saying, “Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different.”

A Stark Contrast

Griner’s comments on the anthem are in stark contrast to those she made before her stint in a Russian penal colony on drug charges. “I’m not going to be out there for the national anthem,” Griner said in July 2020, vowing to protest the anthem in support of racial justice. “If the league continues to want to play it, that’s fine. It will be all season long, I’ll not be out there.”

A Warm Welcome Back

Griner was greeted with roars of celebration at Phoenix’s Footprint Center on Friday as she exited the tunnel and strode onto the court. The eight-time All-Star got on the board in the first minute with a two-point shot and had 10 points with three rebounds across 17 minutes.

Getting Back to Her Old Self

One of the most dominant forces in the Women’s National Basketball Association before her detention, Griner conceded she had plenty of work ahead to get back to her old self. “I didn’t feel like I was gassed or dying,” said Griner, who offered a withering self-appraisal of her defensive performance. “(I’m) knocking off those cobwebs, getting rid of the bad habits.”

Looking Forward to the Season

The 32-year-old, who is working on a memoir about her arrest and imprisonment, said the season ahead also offered an opportunity to focus on the game again. “It feels good, you definitely feel appreciated,” said Griner. “But I can’t wait for the day where it’s kind of like just basketball.”

• Griner’s comments on the anthem are in stark contrast to those she made before her stint in a Russian penal colony on drug charges.
• Griner was greeted with roars of celebration at Phoenix’s Footprint Center on Friday as she exited the tunnel and strode onto the court.
• One of the most dominant forces in the Women’s National Basketball Association before her detention, Griner conceded she had plenty of work ahead to get back to her old self.
• The 32-year-old, who is working on a memoir about her arrest and imprisonment, said the season ahead also offered an opportunity to focus on the game again.

Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by William Mallard