A Russian court near Moscow has sentenced WNBA star, Brittney Griner to 9 years in jail. While the prosecutors asked for a 9 and 1/2 year prison sentence, the judge has given 9 years. The devastating news would be a huge blow for Griner, her wife, and her family. Several WNBA players have given their reactions to the shocking news. Griner is considered one of the best ever WNBA players ever. Moreover, she was the first ever openly gay athlete to be endorsed by Nike.

She was offered a contract worth $1 million by the sports brand. Griner spoke about her contract opening doors for the LGBTQ community. Talking about her contract with Nike, she said, “It was really important to partner with Nike as I believe in what they are doing.”

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She also said that she wouldn’t sign with a brand that didn’t support LGBTQ athletes. In 2014, Nike launched its BETRUE collection, celebrating the LGBTQ with a rainbow-colored collection of sports shoes and T-shirts.

Brittney Griner gives credit to the WNBA

A reporter asked Griner if her fans just related to her sexuality. She said, “It is everybody; I am all about who you are — whether you’re gay, straight or transgender. Being true to yourself and giving your authentic self.” Griner also said that it is easier to come out nowadays. She said that now she can see a lot of lesbian families and gay families. Griner also mentioned that she would give a lot of credit to the WNBA for this.

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The two-time Olympic Gold medalist also talked about being bullied when she was young. She said that she was not always 6ft 8in and faced a lot of bullying since she was different. Griner said that she still continues to get bullied on social media. However, she has become so comfortable with herself that it doesn’t bother her.

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In 2019, Nike returned with a video featuring several larger-than-life LGBTQ+ athletes for its BeTrue campaign during Pride month. Basketball players Sue Bird and Brittney Griner, triathlete Chris Mosier, and track star Caster Semenya starred in the video. Nike also granted financial support to many LGBTQ organizations that year.

Now Brittney Griner is in a very tough position with her 9-year sentence. It looks like a prisoner swap between the countries is the only way to get her back home.