WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Detention in Russia Now Extended
On June 14, it was reported by Russian state news agency TASS, that Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through July 2.
As of today, Brittney Griner has been in Russian custody for 123 days. The 2022 WNBA season began on May 6, leaving the Phoenix Mercury without their 31-year-old star center.
Griner was initially detained on February 17 at the Moscow airport in Russia when authorities allegedly discovered vape cartridges containing a cannabis oil in her luggage. Griner could face up to 10 years in prison if she is convicted of the felony.
State Department officials met last Monday, June 13, with players and staff of the Phoenix Mercury about Griner’s sentence in Russia. Biden’s administration is working to secure her release and return home. The administration has stated that they are working on bringing home both Griner and fellow American, Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive.
“There is a lot involved in getting her back home and safe; they’re working relentlessly,” Mercury star guard Diana Taurasi said in a press release from the team.
Many have advocated for Griner’s release including her family and those in and around the WNBA. Griner’s teammates as well as players across the league have been stressing through social media for President Biden to help with her return.
It has been 123 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse, we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) June 20, 2022
Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia for 117 days. She hasn’t spoken to her family or friends or wife, only able to correspond via censored mail and her lawyers. The administration’s silence and inaction are deafening.
— roxane gay (@rgay) June 14, 2022
Athletes like Lebron James, Billie Jean King, and Dawn Staley have also voiced their concerns for Griner.
We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!! 🙏🏾 Our voice as athletes is stronger together. @uninterrupted 👑 #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/2GWV3Ff81p
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 6, 2022
#WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 20, 2022
It’s time to Bring BG Home!
Join me in signing and sharing the official petition at https://t.co/k1eWusXV1a.@WhiteHouse @POTUS @VP #WeAreBG #BrittneyGriner pic.twitter.com/0aSWNnW52n
#FreeBrittneyGriner 123 days and it seems we are not any closer to bringing @brittneygriner home to loved ones. Let’s continue raise our voices for her family to meet with @POTUS @VP to bring her home. #WeAreBg pic.twitter.com/F5iqQf8l4K
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 20, 2022
“She’s our teammate, she’s an American and we want her back home,” Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard stated.
It’s been 123 days since Griner was originally detained, undergoing two extensions, one in March and now one in June, yet she has still not returned to American soil. We now just have to hope that on June 2 Brittney Griner is brought home to her family and friends safe and sound.
