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U.S. Women's Basketball Star Griner Urges U.S. Detainees In Russia To 'Stay Strong'


U.S. women's basketball star Brittney Griner fights back tears at a news conference in Phoenix on April 27.
U.S. women's basketball star Brittney Griner fights back tears at a news conference in Phoenix on April 27.

U.S. women's basketball star Brittney Griner urged U.S. detainees in Russia to stay strong in her first press conference since being released in a prisoner swap in December. Speaking on April 27 as she prepares to resume her career with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner vowed to keep fighting on behalf of people wrongfully detained around the world. Asked what her message would be U.S. citizens Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, both held in Russia, Griner replied: " Stay strong, keep fighting, don't give up," and find a routine. "That's what helped me," she said.

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