Brittney Griner's Wife Thanks 'Humanity in Its Purest Form'

In an Instagram post, Charelle Griner penned an emotional message thanking all the people responsible for getting her wife back home. She said, "Yesterday my heart was made whole thanks to the collective efforts of MANY! I’m humbled by their hearts. To care for another, a stranger to some, a friend to some— is humanity in its purest form. As BG and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies, and spirits— I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands; seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again. I appreciate each and every one of you! Let’s continue to use our hands, voices, platforms, and resources to bring Paul and all Americans home. All families deserve to be whole."

WNBA star Brittney Griner was released in exchange for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer sentenced to 25 years in prison after he was caught plotting the sale of firearms to the tune of millions to be used against the United States. Bout is nicknamed 'The Merchant of Death' and was caught in 2008 and extradited to the USA in 2010 where he has been in jail ever since.

While negotiating the release for Brittney Griner, the United States wanted Griner and Paul Wheelan released in exchange for Bout. Wheelan was a former United States veteran who was arrested in Russia on suspected espionage charges. While there was a lot of joy and fervor over the release of Griner, a lot of Americans were disappointed that Wheelan was not released with Griner.

In all likelihood, Griner will return to WNBA action in no time. However, at this point in time, there is no official confirmation of when she will return to the sport.