Brittney Griner Changes Tune on National Anthem in First Game Back Since Russian Imprisonment

Brittney Griner Changes Tune on National Anthem in First Game Back Since Russian Imprisonment

In a move that surprised many fans, Brittney Griner took a different approach to the National Anthem in her first game back since her imprisonment in Russia. The 6’9″ basketball star has been an outspoken critic of the anthem in the past, but on this occasion, she opted to stand and place her hand over her heart.

Griner spent three months in a Russian prison after being arrested for a false charge during her time playing in the country’s professional league. During her incarceration, the athlete became an advocate for prison reform and social justice causes.

In the past, Griner has been known for taking a knee during the National Anthem in protest of systemic racism and police brutality in America. But her time in a foreign prison seemed to have given her a renewed sense of appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities available in the United States.

In a post-game interview, Griner addressed her decision to stand during the anthem. “I’ve done a lot of thinking while I was away, and I realized that our nation’s struggles with justice are not unique to the United States. In many ways, we are still a beacon of hope and progress for the rest of the world, and I wanted to show my respect for that.”

Griner was a dominant force in her first game back, scoring 27 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to lead her team to victory. The game was also notable for the incredible support shown by Griner’s fans, who welcomed her back with cheers and signs expressing their admiration for her activism.

The basketball star’s decision to change her approach to the National Anthem is likely to be a topic of conversation among fans and commentators in the coming days. But for Griner, it seems to be a personal choice that reflects her evolving thoughts and experiences. As she continues to make her mark on the court and off, there’s little doubt that her influence will be felt for years to come.