Named ?White Mamba? by Kobe Bryant, 5x Olympic Gold Winner ?Heartbroken? for Brittney Griner

WNBA star Brittney Griner has received a great deal of support from her loved ones during troubling times in Russia. The Phoenix Mercury center’s teammate and five-time Olympic gold winner Diana Taurasi recently shared her feeling about Griner’s situation in Russia. Taurasi was named ‘White Mamba’ by late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who is well-known by the name ‘Black Mamba’ in the NBA. Griner’s experienced teammate, who has also played in Russia, made a big revelation. She feels constantly heartbroken about Brittney Griner’s detainment in a Russian prison away from home.

Meanwhile, Brittney Griner‘s appeal was denied by a Russian court on October 25 and her verdict was upheld. She was first detained at a Moscow Airport in February. The customs officers discovered vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil in her luggage. Moreover, Griner was eventually sentenced to nine years in prison after trial. She is likely to be moved to a Russian penal colony soon, where she would serve her sentence.

Taurasi feels heartbroken about Brittney Griner

Diana Taurasi recently shared her views on the Brittney Griner saga. She suggested that other WNBA stars would think twice before considering an opportunity to play in Russia. The three-time WNBA champ played for five years in Russia. She represented Griner’s Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg from 2012 to 2017, during the WNBA offseason. Hence, Taurasi has experience playing in the Russian women’s league. She felt disappointed by how Griner has been treated so far.

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On November 5, Taurasi made an appearance in Mesa at a youth basketball court dedication in association with the Mamba and Mambacita sports foundation. The foundation was created in the memory of late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant.

Taurasi has been Griner’s teammate at the Mercury since 2013. The duo won the WNBA championship together in 2014. During an interview, Diana Taurasi said, “We’re heartbroken. Every day, heartbroken. Our sole energy is to get her home as soon as possible, as safe as possible.”

Taurasi admitted that she and Griner’s loved ones were left heartbroken by her struggles in Russia. They are doing all they can to bring her home safely and as soon as possible. Moreover, the ten-time All-Star was disheartened by the fact that BG was stuck in Russia. She claimed WNBA players had given a lot of energy and ensured that the Russian league had the best teams.

Taurasi shares Griner’s charitable impact on Phoenix Community

Furthermore, Taurasi praised Brittney Griner’s caring and giving attitude. She believed that BG had been a part of more social initiatives in Phoenix than most people do in a city during their lifetime. The Phoenix Mercury guard said, “There are people that play in markets and never do a thing.”

Taurasi reckoned that Griner was a carer and a lover. Her intention is to always bring people together. The 40-year-old added that BG was the most loving person she had ever come across.

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Thus, Diana Taurasi was left heartbroken by Brittney Griner’s struggles alone in a country where she has played and been recognized for a long time. Hopefully, the Biden Administration will find a way to bring the 2014 WNBA champ home soon.