“No One Wanted to Be Out There”: Skylar Diggins-Smith Speaks Out After Brittney Griner’s 9-Year Sentence in Russia

Just hours after the shocking announcement that Brittney Griner had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison, the Phoenix Mercury were expected to take the court and play a scheduled WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun.

The result? A 77-64 loss for Phoenix that seemed, to many, to be the least important aspect of the evening.

The emotional toll on the Mercury players was visible from warm-ups to the final buzzer. But it was Skylar Diggins-Smith, one of the team’s most outspoken leaders, who voiced what so many were feeling — confusion, grief, frustration, and anger.

“How Can You Play After That?” — Diggins-Smith Questions League’s Decision

After the game, Diggins-Smith addressed reporters in what became a raw and emotional post-game press conference.

“No one wanted to play today,” she said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “How can you even approach the game with a clear mind when everyone is crying before tipoff?”

Her words weren’t dramatic — they were real. The Mercury, emotionally shattered by the devastating news out of Russia, had been given no reprieve, no postponement, and no meaningful opportunity to process the situation.

Instead, the players were expected to lace up, smile for the cameras, and compete.

“We had to watch our teammate get sentenced to nine years in prison, and then we were told to go out and play a basketball game,” Diggins-Smith continued. “It didn’t feel right.”

A Moment of Silence That Felt Like an Afterthought

Prior to the game, the WNBA held a coordinated moment of silence between both teams to acknowledge the gravity of Griner’s sentence. While the intention may have been genuine, many fans and players felt it was not nearly enough.

Diggins-Smith made it clear that the minute of silence did little to change the reality they were facing.

“This isn’t just a teammate. This is our sister. This is our family. Imagine if it was your partner, your sister, sitting in a foreign prison right now. We’re hurting,” she said.

Her tone wasn’t accusatory — it was desperate. Not for sympathy, but for understanding.

Brittney Griner: A Detention That Became a Political Storm

Griner was first detained in February 2022, when Russian authorities found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage at a Moscow airport. She was later charged with drug smuggling and possession — offenses that carry serious penalties in Russia.

Despite her defense team presenting medical documentation and arguing that the cannabis oil was prescribed for chronic pain, the court found her guilty and issued a nine-year prison sentence on August 4, 2022.

The U.S. State Department has officially classified her as “wrongfully detained,” indicating that the U.S. government believes the charges are politically motivated and that Griner is being used as a bargaining chip amid escalating U.S.–Russia tensions following the invasion of Ukraine.

An Emotional Burden No Team Should Carry Alone

Since Griner’s arrest, the Mercury have been thrust into a spotlight no team ever wanted. From public campaigns demanding Griner’s release to awkward media questions after every game, the players have been expected to act as both athletes and advocates.

Diggins-Smith made it clear that the mental and emotional toll has been immense.

“We care deeply. And yet we were expected to show up and play like nothing happened. Like we’re not shattered inside. We did it — but it wasn’t right.”

Her words ignited a storm of reactions across social media, with many fans echoing her sentiment: “Why was this game even played?”

A Growing Debate: Should the WNBA Have Canceled the Game?

The Mercury-Sun game wasn’t just another loss in the standings — it became a flashpoint for a broader discussion about player mental health, league priorities, and the way professional sports handles trauma and crisis.

Critics of the league’s decision argue that expecting the Mercury players to compete mere hours after such a devastating legal decision — one involving not only a teammate, but a friend and a human being — was deeply insensitive.

Others argue that the league was in a difficult position: the schedule was set, rescheduling logistics are complex, and postponement may not have changed the emotional impact of the day.

Still, for many, Diggins-Smith’s emotional words cut through all the noise:

“We did what we were told. But don’t think we were okay.”

The Mercury’s Silent Protest

Though no official boycott took place, some fans pointed out that the Mercury’s body language and energy during the game were clearly affected. The players were visibly distracted, emotionally flat, and disconnected.

Some called it a form of silent protest — playing, but only because they were obligated to, not because they were mentally present.

“I can’t imagine the heartbreak those players felt,” said one fan on X. “They looked like ghosts out there.”

Griner’s Absence Is More Than Physical

Griner has always been a central figure — both on the court and in the Mercury locker room. Her presence, voice, and personality are woven into the fabric of the team.

Her absence since February has left a gaping emotional void, and that void turned into something almost unbearable the day her sentence was announced.

Diggins-Smith put it bluntly:

“We don’t expect everyone to care. But we care. We care so much it hurts.”

League Response and Public Pressure

The WNBA has continued to issue public statements of support for Griner, including working with the U.S. government and the Phoenix Mercury to push for her release. But Diggins-Smith’s comments raise a critical question: Has the emotional well-being of the players been taken seriously enough?

As pressure builds, fans, media, and even fellow athletes across other leagues are now calling on the WNBA to do more — not just in words, but in action.

“You can’t tell athletes ‘mental health matters’ and then force them to play after news like this,” tweeted one sports journalist. “This was a moment for compassion. We missed it.”

What Happens Next?

Griner’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the verdict, and U.S. officials are exploring a possible prisoner swap that would bring Griner home in exchange for Russian nationals imprisoned in the U.S.

But for the Mercury — and for the WNBA as a whole — the damage has already been done. The pain, the pressure, the lack of closure — it’s all become a heavy burden they carry into every game, every practice, every press conference.

Diggins-Smith and her teammates have vowed to keep playing for Griner, but they’ve also made it clear: this fight isn’t just about basketball.