Brittney Griner, a prominent figure in women’s basketball, has revealed a significant change in her attitude toward the U.S. National Anthem following her imprisonment in Russia. This dramatic turn came after her 2022 arrest and detention, which profoundly reshaped her views on freedom, patriotism, and her homeland.
Prior to her detention, Griner was openly critical of standing for the National Anthem during WNBA games. In 2020, she declared her refusal to participate during the anthem, emphasizing her stance as a form of protest against social injustices rather than a rejection of her country.
Griner stated,
I’m not going to be out there for the National Anthem. If the WNBA continues to want to play it, that’s fine. It will be all season long; I’ll not be out there.
Her position reflected a desire for athletes to use their platforms to highlight systemic problems rather than simply honor national symbols. She clarified,
I honestly feel we should not play the national anthem during our season,
showing consistent commitment to this belief.
Her respect for patriotism remained evident in her personal background. Griner drew inspiration from her father, a Vietnam War veteran and law enforcement officer, and shared that she once aspired to become a police officer before choosing basketball.
The circumstances surrounding Griner’s arrest and imprisonment in Russia
In February 2022, Griner was detained at a Russian airport when authorities found cannabis oil in her luggage. This led to her arrest and a sentence of nine years in a Russian prison on drug smuggling charges. During her incarceration, Griner endured severe hardships, including extreme cold that caused her to cut off her dreadlocks to prevent frostbite. Her release came in a widely publicized prisoner swap, which involved exchanging arms dealer Viktor Bout for Griner’s freedom.
How Griner’s outlook on patriotism transformed after her captivity
Following her return to the United States, Griner has expressed a renewed sense of appreciation for her country and the freedoms she once took for granted. Her perspective on the National Anthem, once a point of protest, now carries a deeper emotional resonance.
Griner shared,
I’m grateful to be here, that’s for sure. I’m not going to take a day for granted,
emphasizing how her experience has increased her gratitude for everyday liberties. Regarding the anthem itself, she reflected,
Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different.
Her detention intensified her connection to moments like standing on the Olympic podium, where the anthem symbolized more than just victory—it represented belonging and identity.
This transformation highlights the complex journey Griner has undergone, shaped by the pain of separation from her homeland and the harsh realities of foreign imprisonment. While her earlier protests challenged the traditional use of the anthem, her recent statements reveal a profound respect for the freedoms and homeland she fought to return to.
Griner’s story underscores how extreme adversity can alter one’s views and deepen the meaning attributed to patriotic symbols. Her evolving feelings toward the National Anthem mirror a broader reflection on liberty, sacrifice, and the value of life back home in the United States.