Arizona officials, sports figures react to news of Brittney Griner's release

PHOENIX — Arizona politicians and sports figures are reacting to the news that Brittney Griner has been released from a Russian prison camp and is heading back to the U.S.

Brittney Griner's family sent the following statement:

"We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to President Biden and his administration for the tireless work they did to bring Brittney home. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Governor Richardson and Mickey Bergman of the Richardson Center for their work, as well as remaining in constant communication with us.

We sincerely thank you all for the kind words, thoughts and prayers - including Paul and the Whelan family who have been generous with their support for Brittney and our family during what we know is a heartbreaking time. We pray for Paul and for the swift and safe return of all wrongfully-detained Americans.

We ask that you respect our privacy as we embark on this road to healing."

ABC15 spoke with Phoenix Mercury President Vince Kozar following the announcement.

"I think I'll just tell her how happy I am she's safe and how much I've missed her," said Vince.

Kozar has had a front-row seat to Griner’s growing legacy. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was once known as one of the only WNBA players who can dunk, now Griner and her family will look beyond the court once acclimated back in the U.S.

“I know her wife, who recently graduated law school has already said she's going to devote her career to helping families, deal with the ordeal she's been dealing with. And I know Brittney’s legacy will be doing the exact same thing,” said Kozar.

William Pomeranz of the Kennan Institute, a center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia relations, said he was “very surprised” a deal was made for a prisoner swap. He said between the war in Ukraine and U.S. sanctions against Russia, the deal didn’t seem likely.

“I think they’ll claim this as a victory for Russia, mainly because of the unevenness of the crimes they were both charged,” said Pomeranz.

Vince says as far as homecoming plans goes, they're interested in hosting something — once Griner is ready.

The Phoenix Mercury tweeted this statement:

Cathy Engelbert, Commissioner of the WNBA released this statement:

There has not been a day over the past ten months where we all haven't had Brittney Griner on our minds and in our hearts and that has now turned into a collective wave of joy and relief knowing that she will soon be reunited with her family, the WNBA player community, and her friends. BG has shown extraordinary courage and dignity in the face of enormous adversity. The WNBA is grateful beyond measure to the Biden Administration, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and all those who played a role in bringing BG home today. Our hope is that Paul Whelan and every wrongfully detained American will be returned home safely and as soon as possible.

TIMELINE: Brittney Griner's time in Russian custody, prisoner exchange

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey tweeted the following statement:

Arizona congressman Ruben Gallego released this statement: “Today is a joyous day. Thanks to the relentless efforts by the Biden Administration, Brittney Griner is coming home. We never gave up hope and continued to push the White House to free her. I hope Brittney enjoys much-deserved rest with her family—safely back in the U.S.”

Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema said: “Brittney Griner's release from Russian detention is wonderful, welcome news for Arizona and our entire nation. Following her wrongful detainment earlier this year, we've closely engaged with the U.S. State Department and introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for Brittney's release — and I know we're all relieved the day has come. Arizona – and America – welcomes her back with open arms.”

Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul sent a short tweet reacting to the news:

Arizona congressman Greg Stanton tweeted the following:

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement, commending Stanton's work to help free Griner: “Congress and the Country are overjoyed to learn that, thanks to the committed and focused leadership of President Biden, Brittney Griner is finally free. Today, our hearts are with her dear wife, Cherelle, and the entire Griner family as their beloved Brittney is safely on her way back to America and will be home for the holidays. For nearly ten long months, Brittney Griner suffered unthinkable trauma as she was wrongfully imprisoned by the Russian government. Putin’s cruelty against Brittney – and his monstrous actions against Ukraine – are staggering reminders of his brazen contempt for human rights, human dignity and the rule of law. President Biden, Secretary Blinken and the many hard-working national security professionals are to be commended for their tireless, steadfast work to bring Brittney home. I want to also commend Congressman Greg Stanton of Arizona for his persistence in helping secure her release. Congress stand firmly with the Administration as they continue working to secure the release of Paul Whelan and other Americans unjustly detained in Russia.”

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly tweeted this statement:

Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego tweeted this statement:

President Biden spoke about the release early Thursday morning, along with Griner's wife, Cherelle:

First Lady Jill Biden also tweeted after the news: