Courage or Controversy? Kayla Thornton Among WNBA Players in Russia Despite Griner’s 2022 Arrest

Two WNBA players were among a dozen Americans who chose to play in Russia this offseason, which New York Liberty forward Kayla Thornton says raised some eyebrows given Brittney Griner’s 2022 arrest.

“I had a lot of people trying to question my decision and were like, ‘Are you sure?'” Thornton informed The Associated Press. “My family and I prayed about it, and that is where my heart led me. My mother is a pastor. She believes God will take care of you. She prayed every night, and clearly nothing horrible happened.”

Other Americans have not been so fortunate. Russia is known to imprison a number of Americans, including corporate security officer Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal writer Evan Gershkovich. The United States government has recognized both as wrongfully incarcerated and has attempted to negotiate their release.

According to two US sources, an American soldier was recently arrested in Russia on charges of theft. Cynthia Smith, an Army spokesperson, confirmed that a soldier was arrested Thursday at Vladivostok, a major military and commercial Pacific port, on charges of criminal wrongdoing.

WNBA players frequently compete in international leagues during the league’s summer. Russia boasts one of the highest-paying leagues and was a popular destination for great players such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Griner. It has lost favor following Griner’s arrest and 10-month imprisonment, as well as Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

“What she went through, my heart goes out to her,” Thornton remarked of Griner’s situation.

Despite what happened to Griner, Thornton and Monique Billings, a forward for the Los Angeles Sparks, traveled to Russia and played for Dynamo Kursk. Billings, 28, is starting her seventh WNBA season. She was unable to comment on this story.

It’s unclear how much the WNBA duo made in Russia, but they were joined by several other former WNBA players, including Megan Walker and Bria Holmes.

Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center starting her 12th season in the WNBA, said she has no ill will against any American that plays in Russia. She’s more worried about their safety.

“I have an old teammate that’s playing on my old team,” Griner told the AP. “I am neither mad or angry. I’m concerned about them because the threat exists. They may do whatever they want over there. I ask them to be cautious. Allow everyone to know where they are at all times.

Thornton stated that she only went between the gym and her house, thus she didn’t interact with many people outside of her squad. Her teammates were quite kind, and Dynamo Kursk officials made her feel protected, she claimed.

I keep to myself. It’s unusual that I go out. I hung around with several of the girls on the team, and they were extremely friendly and understanding of our situation,” said Thornton, 31, who is entering her tenth season in the WNBA. “Their families made dinner for us.” “That was a blessing.”

Thornton, who has also played in Egypt, South Korea, and Italy, said she went to the ballet and saw the Kremlin while her team was in Moscow. She wasn’t in the city when a terrorist attack killed over 130 people in late March.

“We heard about it, kind of like an eye opener to be aware of your surroundings,” Thornton remarked. “I do not go out like that. I am a low-key individual. I only went to the gym and then returned home. I didn’t go out very often. I took care of my business and returned home.

Thornton stated that her overall experience was pleasant.

“I think it’s just like when you go overseas to any other place, everyone has this (thought) about that,” she stated. “It’s an ordinary country. I understand the politics, but everything seemed normal.”

Thornton is hesitant about returning to Russia next year.

“Right now I’m not thinking about that,” she replied. “That season is done with and I’m focusing on the Liberty.”