Brittney Griner acknowledges fans as she watches on the 16th hole during the third round of the Phoenix Open golf tournament, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Darryl Webb/Associated PressPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is steadily stepping out in public more often after being released from a Russian penal colony in December. In her third public appearance since returning stateside, the 32-year-old eight-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist attended Super Bowl 57 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday with her wife, Cherelle.
The pair sported Philadelphia Eagles jerseys, with Griner rocking a No. 12 jersey in honor of former franchise quarterback Randall Cunningham. Cherelle wore a No. 92 Eagles jersey in honor of late Hall of Famer Reggie White. Videos shared on social media also captured Griner handing out high-fives as she cheered the team on with fans in the stands, all while enjoying some pizza with Cherelle.
On Saturday, Griner made her second public appearance as a free woman at the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament with Cherelle, watching the action from the stadium's 16th hole. On her Instagram stories, Cherelle posted selfies with Griner and wrote: "I love doing life with you! Had an amazing time at the People's Open!" Griner and Cherelle previously attended the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day march in Phoenix last month, where she told her supporters she was "glad to be home."
Griner was detained in Russia on drug smuggling charges in February 2022 for allegedly carrying cannabis oil in her luggage. After 10 months in Russian custody, she was freed in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout on Dec. 8 in the United Arab Emirates. Following her release, Griner said she plans to play with the Phoenix Mercury again when the season starts in May.
"It feels so good to be home!" Griner wrote on Instagram shortly after her release. "The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped me keep going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help."
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