Paul Whelan credits Brittney Griner for helping spring him from Russian captivity

Retired US marine, sentenced to 16 years in prison, says hoops star made sure he wasn't forgotten after her release

Retired US marine Paul Whelan says basketball champion Brittney Griner provided great help" to him by advocating for his freedom from Russian captivity after she was released before he was.

Within days of her getting home, she was talking to people about how they could support me, and she had people making monetary donations, sending cards, sending letters, offering all sorts of support," Whelan said in an interview being aired on CBS's Face the Nation at 10.30am ET on Sunday.