Brittney Griner , Re-Signs With the Phoenix Mercury, Following Imprisonment in Russia.<br />NBC reports that two-time Olympic gold medalist <br />and basketball star Brittney Griner has re-signed <br />with the Phoenix Mercury for another year.<br />NBC reports that two-time Olympic gold medalist <br />and basketball star Brittney Griner has re-signed <br />with the Phoenix Mercury for another year.<br />According to NBC, a source close to Griner <br />said that an official statement announcing <br />the re-signing is expected on February 21.<br />Griner's entire career has been <br />played for the Mercury, since she <br />turned professional in 2013.<br />The star athlete missed the full 2022 <br />season while imprisoned in <br />Russia for almost 10 months. .<br />Previously, Griner had said she <br />planned on playing in the 2023 season. .<br />In December, she was freed <br />from a Russian penal colony. .<br />Her release from a Russian penal colony, <br />in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, <br />was negotiated by the Biden administration. .<br />Her release from a Russian penal colony, <br />in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, <br />was negotiated by the Biden administration. .<br />In February of 2022, Griner was arrested at a Moscow <br />airport for allegedly carrying vape canisters <br />containing cannabis oil by Russian authorities.<br />In February of 2022, Griner was arrested at a Moscow <br />airport for allegedly carrying vape canisters <br />containing cannabis oil by Russian authorities.<br />After she was freed, Griner wrote on Instagram <br />about her emotional struggle while being <br />held in Russian custody for almost ten months. .<br />I dug deep to keep my faith <br />and it was the love from so many <br />of you that helped keep me going.<br /> From the bottom of my heart, <br />thank you to everyone for your help, Brittney Griner, via Instagram
