While Brittney Griner was languishing in a Russian jail cell, there was resounding support from many people around America.
Griner’s former college basketball coach, Kim Mulkey, wasn’t really one of them.
So it’s perhaps not too surprising to hear that Mulkey hasn’t touched base with Griner since she was released as part of a prisoner swap in December.
Mulkey, who has now led the LSU Tigers to the Women’s Final Four this season, was asked if she’s had a chance to touch base with Griner since her return to the U.S. She said that she has not.
“No. But I’m glad she’s back,” Mulkey said during a press conference. “I’m glad she’s safe, she’s sound. I think everybody is. But no, I have not.”
Mulkey received harsh criticism in September when she refused to give any public support to Griner after she was arrested on drug-related charges and convicted in what many long considered to be a politically motivated decision.
“And you won’t,” Mulkey said at the time when asked for a reaction to Griner’s situation.
After Griner was finally released in December, Mulkey released a statement through ESPN sharing her relief.
“God is good. Prayers are powerful,” Mulkey told ESPN in December “Brittney is on her way home where she belongs. Our prayers remain with her and her family as they recover and heal together.”
Baylor went 40-0 and won the national championship with Mulkey and Griner in 2012.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.