From Russia’s Prison to a Phoenix Comeback
Brittney Griner’s time in a Russian prison left an indelible mark on both her life and appearance. The WNBA star was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2022 after being arrested for possessing cannabis oil. After 10 months of hardship, she was released in December 2022 following a rare prisoner exchange.
Griner’s time in Russia was harsh—she recounted enduring the freezing winter, which caused her dreadlocks to freeze and spiders to build nests in her hair. In her memoir Coming Home, she revealed that she had to request permission to shave her head, leading to her signature short hairstyle upon returning to the United States.
However, as 2024 ends, Griner looks ahead to new beginnings. Answering an Instagram question about her hair, she confirmed, “I sure am [growing it back]. Curl BG was cool, but Dread head BG is better!”
Griner remains a powerhouse on the court, averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during the 2024 season. Despite her traumatic past, she continues to inspire through resilience and reinvention.
