Brittney Griner: WNBA star and Texas native’s detainment in Russia extended one month
WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detainment in Russia has been extended another month.
The Baylor University graduate has been held in Russia since February. Many have raised concerns that she is being used as a political pawn after Russia faced global pressure for invading Ukraine.
Griner’s lawyer Alexander Boykov, told The Associated Press that the short extension could indicate that the case will go to trial soon. Griner was seen outside the Moscow courtroom on Friday, handcuffed and wearing an orange hoodie, where she didn’t comment on the detention conditions, Boykov said.
“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a May 3 statement. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
Who is Brittney Griner?
Griner, 31, is a Houston native who graduated from Baylor University in 2013.
She was drafted No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013 and has remained on the team ever since. Griner is a seven-time all-star who won an WNBA championship in 2014 and has two Olympic gold medals from the 2016 and 2021 Summer Games.
Griner has been married to Cherelle Griner since 2019. Cherelle Griner thanked fans for support over her wife’s detainment in early March on Instagram.
How and why was Griner arrested?
Griner was arrested at the Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow after arriving from New York in February. Authorities said they found vape cartridges in her luggage.
The Russian Federal Customs Service said the vape cartridges contained hashish or cannabis oil, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Why was Griner in Russia?
Griner, like many WNBA players, has played in Russia during the league’s off season for the last seven years.
Russia has proven popular for WNBA players looking to make additional salary in the off season, Griner included, making about $1 million per season. Over a dozen WNBA players played in Russia and Ukraine this season, including 2021 league MVP Joquel Jones, but Griner is the only player to remain in the country.
The WNBA regular season usually runs from May to August or September, while the Russian regular season starts in October and ends in March. Griner plays for the UMMC Ekaterinburg and last suited up on Jan 29.
What’s the latest news about Griner?
Russian media reported in mid-March that Griner’s detainment was extended until May 19. It was reported on Friday, that Griner’s detainment is extended another month awaiting trial.
Griner is said to be faring well behind bars and her legal team has been in contact with her multiple times and brought her food and personal items.
The U.S. State Department said in late March that a U.S. Embassy official visited Griner and found her “to be in good condition.”
State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the U.S. will do everything it can to see that Griner is treated fairly throughout this ordeal.
Price later said, that U.S. Embassy diplomats in Moscow spoke with Griner on Friday, saying she “is doing as well as can be expected in these circumstances.”
Griner’s legal team continues to seek her release.
In late April, the U.S. and Russia made a prisoner swap to bring home Marine veteran, Trevor Reed. A Russian drug trafficker was swapped for Reed, who had been detained since 2019.
WNBA and NBA support
NBA star Chris Paul paid tribute to Griner before the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns playoff game on Tuesday.
Paul wore a shirt with Griner’s likeness before the game and later told The Dallas Morning News, that the basketball community misses and wants her home.
“We miss her at the practice facility day in and day out,” Paul said. “We’re just trying to get her home.”
WNBA placed a “BG 42” logo on all 12 courts in the league. The Suns followed suit ahead of Tuesday’s game, placing the same logo courtside.
Engelbert opened the WNBA draft in April by reiterating the league’s support for the Phoenix Mercury player, saying that getting Griner home safely continues to be a top priority.
“While we are facing an extraordinary complex challenge, there is strength in community, especially in the WNBA,” Engelbert said.
Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks all-star and WNBA Players Association president, appeared on ”Good Morning America” on Tuesday echoing calls to bring Griner home.
Ogwumike said the players have had to be strategic about when to speak out about Griner as to not compromise any chances of her return. The players have worried about Griner’s health and safety daily, especially her mental health.
“BG is us, we are BG,” Ogwumike said.
This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 1:58 PM.
