Dwane Casey and rookie Jalen Duren offered comments on the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was imprisoned in Russia for almost 300 days.
Memphis — Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey has joined the list of NBA coaches and players sharing their opinions on the release of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner after being imprisoned in Russia for nearly 10 months.
“I definitely wanted to say how happy myself and the organization is about Brittney Griner being free from her situation,” Casey said ahead of Friday’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. “Back in the states, back at home, back with her family. It’s a blessing.”
Griner, who was arrested at a Moscow airport in February on drug charges and later sentenced to nine years in prison, returned to the United States on Friday. Her release was part of a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner’s release was met with mixed reaction throughout the country because the deal did not include fellow detainee Paul Whelan, who was arrested in Russia on December 28, 2018, and accused of spying. He is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence.
“We know we still have a lot of work to do to get Paul Whelan back, and all our other American citizens,” Casey added.
