*Michael Che poked fun at Britney Griner during the “Weekend Update” on SNL this past weekend.
The basketball star recently signed a one-year contract extension with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, which Che compared to her detainment last year in a Russian Penal colony.
“It was announced that Brittney Griner has signed with the Phoenix Mercury for one year. Unfortunately, the WNBA pays less than a Russian prison,” the comedian said. Watch the moment via the clip above.
Meanwhile, the two-time Olympic gold medalist was honored at the NAACP Image Awards for being a Black queer woman who has overcome adversity.
READ MORE: Michael Che Talks Future with SNL: ‘I’ve Been Here Longer Than I Will Be Here’
Brittney Griner and her wife take the stage to huge applause at the #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/j0aWQNokpC
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 26, 2023
“It feels so good to be here, especially with my beautiful, amazing wife and with all of y’all here today. I want to thank everyone,” Griner said during her acceptance speech. “Let’s keep fighting to bring home every American still detained overseas.”
Griner was arrested at Moscow Airport on Feb. 17, 2022, after customs officials said they found vape cartridges with hashish oil in her luggage. The WNBA player traveled to Russia to play in the off-season but was ultimately convicted on drug smuggling charges and sentenced to 9 years in a Russian penal colony. President Biden successfully negotiated her release in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner was released in December.
(L-R) Cherelle Griner and Brittney Griner speak onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
As we reported previously, the Biden Administration attempted to secure her release along with Paul Whelan who remains imprisoned in the country. Whelan is a former American marine who has been detained in Russia for four years. President Biden noted that Russia declined to release Whelan as officials are handling his case differently.
When Grier arrived back in the U.S., the Olympic gold medalist penned a handwritten letter to her Instagram followers asking them to advocate for Whelan’s safe return home.
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