Griner returns to basketball with Oregon supporters

Oregonians voice their support of Brittney Griner's return to basketball after being detained nearly 10 months in Russia

by DeVon Pouncey | 7 Jun 2023

It was a star-studded night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on May 19.

Celebrities in attendance included U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, tennis legend Billie Jean King, basketball Hall of Famer and Los Angeles Sparks owner Magic Johnson and many more. Despite the star power in the stands, all eyes were on the court, most heavily concentrated on one player.

Upwards of 10,300 people were in attendance to bear witness to Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner making her first appearance in the WNBA after being detained in Russia for nearly 10 months for possessing less than a gram of cannabis oil. Griner had not played a game in 579 days when she took the court against the Los Angeles Sparks.

When Griner’s name was announced in the starting lineups, she received a huge ovation from the Los Angeles crowd. She waved and smiled in response. The crowd was also littered with smiles and signs honoring the return of Griner. It felt like the cheers one would hear when an athlete announces retirement and goes on a farewell tour in their final season. Instead, this was a welcome back for Griner.

While Griner’s imprisonment and eventual journey back to the United States and WNBA were well-covered by national and international media alike, Oregon’s strong ties to Griner’s story were lost in the fray. After all, May 19 was about Griner and the game of basketball.

The Mercury seemed to feed off of the energy surrounding their teammate’s return as they got off to an early lead, leading after the first quarter 22-19. In the second quarter, the game settled in, and the Sparks took over in front of their home crowd, ultimately winning their season opener in convincing fashion 94-71. Whether the Mercury led or played from behind, Griner’s smile didn’t seem to waver throughout the competition.

Many advocated for the release of Griner as she spent nearly 10 months detained in Russia. The Biden administration, which agreed to swap Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to secure Griner’s return to the United States, was represented by Harris, who had a heartfelt moment addressing the teams in the locker room prior to tip-off.

Another advocate was U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-OR, who sponsored a bipartisan Senate Resolution calling for Griner’s immediate release last July.

“I’m gratified that Brittney Griner is back on a basketball court in America, amazing all WNBA fans with her skills, and free from the cruel and wrongful detention imposed on her by a Russian court,” Wyden told Street Roots.

Wyden also wasn't shy about advocating for WNBA expansion to Portland while acknowledging Oregon's support for Griner.

“I very much look forward to watching (Griner) play this season,” Wyden said. “And as a Portlander working to bring an expansion WNBA franchise to Oregon, I also look forward to the day when women’s professional basketball is back where it belongs — in a state that spoke up loudly for (Griner) and always shows up to support women’s sports.”

In the most recent development in the push to bring the “WNBA to PDX,” upwards of 140 local businesses joined Wyden in drafting a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who visited Portland in February for a “WNBA to PDX” town hall in support of bringing a team to the market.

Griner’s infectious smile wasn’t her only form of gratitude on display on opening night. She also stood during the National Anthem, notable because when Griner last played in the WNBA, she didn’t stand for the anthem as a form of protest.

"What I went through and everything, it just means a little bit more to me now,” Griner said after the game. “So I want to be able to stand. I was literally in a cage (in Russia) and could not stand the way I wanted to.”

Griner made it clear she still supports others' right to protest even in her decision to now stand for the anthem.

Another notable Oregonian who had the luxury of experiencing Griner’s return firsthand is her current Mercury teammate and former South Salem High School phenom Evina Westbrook.

“Being able to be a part of and witness firsthand (Griner’s) return is kind of unreal at times, in the most positive way,” Westbrook told Street Roots.

Westbrook recently signed with the Mercury for what is now her second season in the WNBA.

“Being her teammate this year without knowing her previously, I’m witnessing and seeing how beautiful and funny her personality is,” Westbrook said. “(Griner) is just one of those people who no one dislikes. Everyone gets along with her.”

All who were in attendance at this game had the opportunity to watch Atlantic Records recording artist “Symba” perform live during the halftime show. When asked by Street Roots what it meant for him to be able to perform on such a monumental night in not just women’s sports but also American history, he said it was “a blessing.”

“It was a blessing not only because I was able to perform at the halftime show, but I was able to see her back in action for the first time since she came home from prison,” Symba said. “She is a living testament that a minor setback can produce a major comeback, and I’m glad to see her back in action.”

Gratitude was a throughline for many participating in the night's event, attending the game, as well as watching the game around the world. That was proven as WNBA broadcast partner ESPN recorded its most viewed WNBA regular season game in 24 years and most viewed opening day on ESPN platforms in 11 years, in large part due to Griner’s much-anticipated return.

Griner could very well still have been detained in Russia for years to come as she was sentenced to nearly 10 years prior to her being exchanged for Bout. Instead, she is back playing the game of basketball with her family, friends and teammates by her side.

“In these short weeks I’ve been here, I’ve just learned not to take these memories and experiences for granted,” Westbrook said.

Street Roots is an award-winning weekly investigative publication covering economic, environmental and social inequity. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.