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Brittney Griner, a long-time star in women’s basketball, has experienced a major shift in her views on the U.S. National Anthem, following her dramatic detainment in Russia. Once a vocal critic of standing for the anthem, her time in a Russian prison profoundly altered her perspective on both her country and the freedoms she had once taken for granted.
Before her arrest in 2022, Griner had been outspoken about her decision to not participate in the National Anthem during WNBA games.
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In 2020, she explained, “I’m not going to be out there for the National Anthem. If the WNBA continues to want to play it, that’s fine. It will be all season long; I’ll not be out there.” She was firm in her belief that playing the anthem during the season wasn’t appropriate and felt that athletes should take a stand on issues of social justice.
Griner clarified that her protest wasn’t against her country but was motivated by the desire to draw attention to systemic problems. “I honestly feel we should not play the national anthem during our season,” she said. She also shared her respect for her father, a Vietnam War veteran and law officer, and her own childhood aspiration of becoming a police officer before pursuing basketball.
However, everything changed for Griner when she was arrested in Russia in February 2022. Authorities found cannabis oil in her luggage at a Russian airport, leading to her being sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of drug smuggling.
Griner spent most of 2022 incarcerated under harsh conditions, including enduring freezing temperatures that forced her to cut off her dreadlocks to avoid frostbite. Her freedom was eventually secured through a high-profile prisoner swap that saw arms dealer Viktor Bout returned to Russia in exchange for Griner.
A shift in perspective after her time in Russian detention
Since her release, Griner’s views on the National Anthem and her country have evolved. She now expresses deep gratitude for being home and no longer takes her freedom for granted.
“I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure. I’m not going to take a day for granted,” Griner shared. The National Anthem, once a symbol of protest, now holds a different emotional weight for her.
She elaborated, saying, “Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different.” The experience reminded her of the powerful moments at the Olympics, when she was honored on the podium with the anthem playing. For Griner, it wasn’t just about winning gold medals but about the emotional connection to being part of her country once again.
In the end, Griner’s journey, marked by her time in a foreign prison and the painful separation from her homeland, has reshaped her understanding of freedom and patriotism.
While her stance on the National Anthem may have shifted, the deep appreciation she now feels for her country is unmistakable. Every day she spends back in the U.S. is a reminder of how much she’s overcome and how much more she values her life and liberty.
This news was originally published on this post .
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