Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who opted to play in Russia this past offseason following Brittney Griner’s incarceration in 2022. Forwards Kayla Thornton, a member of the New York Liberty, and the Los Angeles Sparks' Monique Billings played for Dynamo Kursk.
FILE - New York Liberty forward Kayla Thornton , bottom, reacts in front of Seattle Storm center Ezi Magbegor, top, as a jump ball is called during the first half of a WNBA basketball game May 30, 2023, in Seattle. Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans that opted to play in Russia this past offseason, a decision Thornton said raised a few eyebrows following Brittney Griner ’s incarceration in 2022.
Other Americans haven’t been as fortunate. Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.was recently arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, according to two U.S. officials.
Griner said she holds no ill-will towards any American who plays in Russia. She’s more concerned about their safety. Thornton said that she is a pretty low-key person and basically just went between the gym and her house so didn’t interact with many people outside of her team. Her teammates were very friendly and Dynamo Kursk officials made her feel safe.
Brittney Griner Kayla Thornton Womens National Basketball Association NYC State Wire Monique Billings Russia Sue Bird New York Liberty Sports Diana Taurasi Megan Walker S Ukraine Breanna Stewart Bria Holmes
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