Brittney Griner
Brittney Yevette Griner is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. She gained international attention when she was detained in Russia for nearly 10 months in 2022-2023 after airport officials found cannabis oil in her luggage.
Griner is known for her exceptional basketball skills, having won Olympic gold medals and numerous accolades in her career.
She is also recognized as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality.
Born in Houston, Texas, Griner has been open about her experiences as a Black, queer woman in sports and society.
Her memoir, "Coming Home," details her time in Russian detention and her journey to freedom.
