The release of Brittney Griner has brought a huge relief to her supporters around the country. After being detained in February for possessing small amounts of cannabis oil, she was charged with smuggling drugs. When she was given a nine-year sentence, there were fears about her return. This also prompted a huge outrage from her fans and many celebrities. After her release, one of her fans revealed the impact of the Phoenix Mercury star.

Griner was released on December 8 and news about her release broke out early in the morning. It was a sweet surprise for her friends and supporters around the country.

Fan speaks about the impact of Brittney Griner

After the release of Brittney Griner was reported in the country, her fans and celebrities celebrated her return. Also, some fans paid a visit to the arena of Phoenix Mercury, the Footprint Center, to celebrate. Speaking to ESPN, one fan talked about the impact of the two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Danae McKnight is a season ticket holder for the Mercury who moved to Phoenix three years ago. She said that Griner was “unapologetically herself”.

McKnight stated, “It took me years to figure out who I was and to accept that, because there’s so much fear with the LGBT community and coming out that you feel like you have to hide yourself or you feel concerned.”?

The fan added, “… Just the confidence that she has, and she just knows who she is and she just wants to be that and it’s inspiring. It’s taught me that it’s OK to be me.”

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She then talked about Griner being away from her wife for around ten months. An emotional McKnight noted that she could not imagine being away from her wife for 300 days.

Griner missed the whole WNBA season this year because of her captivity. In her first public statement after the release, she disclosed that she will play for the Mercury in the next season.

Mercury star finally released

After ten months in captivity, Brittney Griner was released in exchange for Viktor Bout. The rumors about the prisoner swap deal were around for months now. However, public comments from Russian officials cast doubt about her release. Russia did not want to make the negotiation between the two countries public and advised the U.S. to be quiet about it as well.

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Reports that Griner’s release before the end of the year gave some hope to her family and fans. But Russia denied the reports and maintained that a deal will not be possible before the end of the year. This came as a huge blow. Despite this, she was released one week into December right on time for the holidays.