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“Terrific Lesson for My Daughters”: Ex-US President Barack Obama Once Heaped Praise on “New Face of Women’s Basketball” Brittney Griner

Published 09/21/2022, 3:30 PM EDT

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Controversial or not, WNBA star Brittney Griner is a role model in all senses. She has been the center of media debates for quite some time now and this is something she has faced in the past as well. However, she still continues to inspire people.

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The Phoenix Mercury star has millions of followers around the world who look up to her as a role model. Interestingly enough, it seems former President of the United States, Barack Obama is a fan as well.

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During an official event held at the White House in 2012, Obama was all praises for Griner. He talked about how she is the face of women’s basketball and how she inspires people around the world. Moreover, he asserted that she is a terrific lesson for his two daughters to learn from.

Obama said, “This young woman is the new face of women’s basketball. She blocks shot, rebounds… she’s got the dunk.”

“As the father of two daughters, who are tall and beautiful just like them, it is great to have role models who can show that women can be strong, and athletic, and competitive, but also play as a team. That’s a terrific lesson for my daughters,” he added.

Interestingly enough, this was even before Brittney Griner made her debut in the WNBA. Playing for the Baylor Bears, she was a sensation even before her official debut. Subsequently, President Obama even asked for a Baylor jersey and signed a basketball for the team. Before ending the event, he thanked the entire Baylor team for inspiring young girls all around the country.

POTUS Joe Biden meets the family of WNBA star Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner has spent a long time in prison. She was arrested in February 2022 on charges of carrying illegal substances in her luggage while in a Russian airport. Subsequently, she and her camp underwent a long legal battle for months.

A Russian court sentenced her to nine years in prison for her crime. The POTUS Joe Biden has been quite supportive of the WNBA star as he had sent out a statement in favor of Griner. Moreover, he also met Griner’s family recently at the White House.

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According to reports, the meeting was held to assure the families of Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan that the officials are continuously working to find a solution to Brittney’s situation.

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Written by:

Abhinava Ghosh

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Abhinava is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication. Abhinava has been following NBA for the past 6 years and is a huge fan of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.
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