Brittney Griner makes second public appearance since Russian prison release at WM Phoenix Open

Todd Piro reports on WNBA star arriving in Texas after controversial prisoner swap

WNBA superstar Brittney Griner made her second public appearance Saturday since her December release from a Russian prison.

Griner was one of about 200,000 fans at the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is a tournament on the PGA Tour. 

She watched from the stadium 16th hole, according to The Associated Press.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist's first public appearance was in January at a Martin Luther King Jr. march in downtown Phoenix.

BRITTNEY GRINER PENS LETTER TO SUPPORTERS: 'BECAUSE OF YOU I NEVER LOST HOPE'

American professional basketball player 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, Arizona. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Griner skipped the USA Basketball training camp in Minnesota earlier this week so she could spend time with her wife and recover from a 10-month prison stint in Russia.

USA Basketball coach Cheryl Reeve told The AP on Monday that she had not spoken to Griner yet, but the organization has made it clear that she can take her time deciding if she wants to return to the national team.

"We’ve missed her and when she’s ready we’ll welcome her back," Reeve said.

BRITTNEY GRINER RELEASED FROM RUSSIAN PRISON IN SWAP FOR CONVICTED ARMS DEALER

Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in August 2022 after pleading guilty to drug charges, was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in a controversial prisoner exchange in December. She arrived back on U.S. soil on Dec. 9.

WNBA star Brittney Griner arrives back in the U.S. after release from a Russian jail. (U.S. Army South photo - Miguel