Controversial WNBA superstar Brittney Griner had quite an eventful 2022. Her miseries started all the way back in February when she was detained in a Russian airport for drug charges. While her peers were indeed elated following her release after months of protracted legal battles and anticipation, thousands of people worldwide didn’t share the same feeling.

In a homecoming arranged by a local church near Baylor University, barely anyone arrived. Moreover, surveys also reflect how a huge chunk of people is either indifferent or unhappy with Griner’s release.

Controversial or not, Griner was one of the most popular names all through last year. And for this reason, she was given a major honor by an eminent media house recently as she was adjudged ‘Arizonian of the Year’.

Brittney Griner bestowed upon with popularity award

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner got the whole world talking when she was detained earlier last year in Russia. Following her highly publicized release from prison, she is still the name on everyone’s lips.

Naturally, she was one of the most popular personalities both in the United States of America and in the world. This was further confirmed by The Arizona Republic adjudging the former #1 pick the “Arizonan of the Year”.

This comes just weeks after a distressing piece of news for all Griner supporters. A local church in Waco, Texas where Baylor is located, hosted a homecoming ceremony in order to celebrate Brittney Griner’s release.

READ MORE: Amid Paul Whelan Outrage, Brittney Griner Outlines 1 Basic Request for Americans to Fulfil

A grand total of 20 people showed up to the ceremony. In spite of spending some of her most important years growing up in the province and being one of the best players in the University, the people of Waco showed no remorse for Griner.

Griner is using her popularity to draw attention to a fellow prisoner

One of the biggest reasons why people disapproved of Brittney Griner’s release is former Marine Paul Whelan. Various reports around the world suggested that he would be part of the deal that involved the Mercury star and Viktor Bout. However, the reality turned out differently.

Having had first-hand experience of spending time in prison, Griner has rallied her supporters to write to Whelan. In a letter posted on Instagram, she wrote, “I hope you will join me in writing to Paul Whelan and continuing to advocate for other Americans to be rescued and returned to their families.”

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In the same post, she talked about how letters from fans and family helped her in prison. Similarly, the letters to Whelan will be of great support to him who is serving 16 years due to espionage charges.