Guest post by Miriam Judith
Nothing gives you a better taste of American freedom than being locked up in a foreign prison for nearly a year.
Brittany Griner is a great example.
The once outspoken critic of the national anthem shed sentimental tears as the Star-Spangled Banner was played during the Olympic medal ceremony.
In 2022, Griner was arrested on drug charges and spent nearly 10 months in a Russian prison. The WNBA star was scheduled to serve nine years in prison until he was released in a prisoner swap between the United States and Russia for a prominent Russian arms dealer.
The whole incident seemed to prompt Griner to change his mind, and in 2023 he stated his intention to stand for the national anthem and flag.
“You have the right to protest, the right to speak out, question, challenge and do all of those things,” Greener told reporters, according to ESPN.
Griner continued: “Everything I’ve been through and everything, it means a lot more to me now. So I want to be able to stand up. I’m really in the cage. [in Russia] Can’t stand the way I want it.
“Whenever I hear my national anthem and see my flag, I absolutely want to stand up. Now anyone who refuses to stand up or doesn’t come out, I support them 100 percent. As Americans in this great country, this is our right.
According to USA Today, Griner was overcome with emotion after winning the Olympic gold medal with Team USA, and the basketball star had a newfound appreciation for this great country.
“It means a lot to me,” Griner said. “I didn’t think I’d be here, like I said before. And to win a gold medal here for my country, to represent, when my country fights so hard for me to be here – yeah, this The gold medal will occupy a special place.
Watch the video:
Star-Spangled Banner after Team USA win at women’s basketball tournament #parisolympics. pic.twitter.com/ede9dTQfsq
— NBC Olympics and Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 11, 2024
