“He ended up getting assassinated” – Sue Bird recalls playing for a Russian team owned by former KGB spy

Key Takeaways:

• Sue Bird played for a Russian team whose owner was a former KGB agent.
• The ex-KGB owner was later assassinated.
• Bird revealed her experience on the “Knuckleheads Podcast” in 2021.
• Diana Taurasi was also mentioned in the context, though details remain limited.
• The story offers insight into narrower aspects of Bird’s international basketball career.

Introduction

Sue Bird has experienced many extraordinary moments throughout her illustrious basketball career, but few details are as eye-opening as her time playing in Russia. In a viral revelation, Bird shared that the owner of her Russian team had once been affiliated with the KGB—and eventually suffered a grim fate.

Bird’s 2021 Revelation

During a 2021 appearance on the “Knuckleheads Podcast,” Bird opened up about the surprising background of the team’s owner. “He ended up getting assassinated,” she stated, describing the extraordinary situation that led the mysterious team patron to an untimely death.

Dynamics of Playing Overseas

Shortly before and after Bird’s comments, other WNBA stars like Diana Taurasi also made headlines for their overseas stints, especially in Russia. While details about Taurasi’s experiences there remain limited in this account, Bird’s story highlights the sometimes unexpected realities of playing sports across international borders, where ownership can carry deep and complex histories.

The Former KGB Owner

A major point of intrigue remains the team’s owner himself. According to Bird, he was a former KGB spy who managed to finance and run a women’s basketball club. The fact that he was eventually assassinated underscores the tension and risk involved in such circles, offering a startling contrast to the day-to-day experiences of a professional athlete abroad.

Conclusion

Sue Bird’s recollection sheds light on the hidden layers of international basketball. Her time in Russia, financed by a figure with a dangerous past, reminds fans that the world of sports can intersect with global intrigue. Though the circumstances remain largely undisclosed, Bird’s candid disclosure on the “Knuckleheads Podcast” continues to resonate, offering a glimpse of her remarkable experiences off the court as much as on it.