WNBA commissioner reacts to Griner release

SHOTLIST:RESTRICTION SUMMARY:ASSOCIATED PRESSWaco, Texas - 31 March 20101. STILL image of Brittney Griner listens to a question during an NCAA college basketball press conference HEADLINE: Brittney Griner's release celebrated by WNBA.WNBANew York - 8 December 2022++PARTIALLY COVERED BY SHOT 1++2. SOUNDBITE (English) Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner:"This was just really emotional. I'm not a hugely emotional person, but I got very choked up and kind of knew for a couple of days that something might be happening, but you never know again until it happens in that moment and things fall through at the last minute. So when it happened this morning, I just got emotional so that's all I can say."ASSOCIATED PRESSDenver - 3 April 2012 3. STILL image of Brittney Griner playing for Baylor during the second half in the NCAA Women's Final Four college basketball championship gameANNOTATION: Brittney Griner's loved ones and basketball family were ecstatic when news broke about her release from a Russian prison and her return to the U.S.4. STILL image of Brittney Griner playing for Baylor during the second half in the NCAA Women's Final Four college basketball championship gameANNOTATION: The WNBA star was arrested at Moscow's airport in February when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage.WNBANew York - 8 December 20225. SOUNDBITE (English) Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner: "We're obviously going to respect the privacy of this very critical time in her coming back home. And obviously, I'd love to call her. I'd love to see her. We're going to give her the appropriate space and time for that, and then follow again what what Brittney and her family want to do about reengaging with the WNBA and our players. I know our players are very anxious to reengage and reunite with Brittany, as well. "ASSOCIATED PRESSARCHIVE: Waco, Texas - 13 November 20106. Brittany Griner playing for Baylor during the second half of an NCAA women's college basketball gameANNOTATION: She was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison in August. Now, she's headed home after the U.S. and Russia had a prisoner exchange.ANNOTATION: While it's unclear right now if Griner wants to ever play basketball again, she would be welcomed back with open arms by the WNBA and USA Basketball. STORYLINE:Brittney Griner's loved ones and extended basketball family were ecstatic when news broke about her release from a Russian prison and that she was on her way back to the United States. It has been nearly 300 days since the WNBA star was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggageShe was convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison in August. Now four months later, she's headed home after the U.S. and Russia had a high-level prisoner exchange Thursday. While it's unclear right now if Griner wants to ever play basketball again, she would be welcomed back with open arms by both the WNBA and USA Basketball. The WNBA season begins May 19.===========================================================Clients are reminded: (i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service (iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.