Cherelle Griner (left) and Brittney Griner (right) appear at the NAACP Image Awards.Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty for BET

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 25: (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)

The Griners' surprise addition to the WHCD guest list will put them in the presence of the journalists and administration officials who fought for Brittney’s release — including PresidentJoe Biden— bringing theiremotional journeyfull-circle.

The duo, on the heels of celebrating Cherelleformally becoming a lawyer, will be seated at a table withCBS Morningsco-hostGayle King,CBS Evening NewsanchorNorah O’DonnellandFace the NationmoderatorMargaret Brennan.

Brittney Griner and wife Cherelle hug each other as soon as the WNBA star returned to the U.S.Miguel Negron/U.S. Army West

Brittney Griner Reintegration after release from a Russian Jail. Reunion with wife Cherelle, December 10, 2022. Fort Sam Houston Credit: Miguel Negron/U.S. ARMY SOUTH

Brittney was arrested in Russia in February 2022 after officialsallegedly foundvape cartridges containing hash oil, an illegal substance in the country, in her luggage. She wassentenced to nine yearsin a Russian prison on drug smuggling charges.

Brittney announced earlier this month that she will tell her “raw, emotional” story of her arrest and 10-month detainment in Russiain a new memoir, which is slated to be released next year.

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During a rare weekend where politics, media and pop culture merge in Washington, D.C., CBS News is aiming to steal the spotlight with its slate of guests. In addition to bringing the Griners and noteworthy D.C. figures like Reps.Maxwell FrostandNancy Mace, the network has invitedRosario Dawson,BD Wong,Justin Hartley,Sofia Pernas,Jerry O’Connell,Rebecca RomijnandJulia Foxto attend.

source: people.com