WNBA star Brittany Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia for 265 days.
On Wednesday, Greiner’s defense team announced that she was in the process of being transferred to a Russian prison after serving a nine-year sentence for drug smuggling. Greiner’s family may not know where she is for some time, “because they are notified by official mail and it usually takes two weeks,” but it is well known that Russian prisons have much harsher conditions than the one Greiner was previously held in Moscow.
The heartbreaking news has drawn reactions from many prominent women’s basketball figures and organizations.
According to the announcement from the BG Legal Team, the Chairman Joe Biden said He “decided to bring her home.”
“My hope is now [midterm elections are] “I think Mr. Putin would be willing to discuss with us and talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.
U.S. officials made a “serious” offer to Russia in June to trade for BG’s freedom, but that offer fell through. In a statement Wednesday morning, the White House said it had not received a legitimate counteroffer from Russian officials despite several additional attempts.
“Despite Russia’s failure to negotiate in good faith in the weeks since, the U.S. government has continued to pursue that offer and has engaged with Russia through all available channels to discuss alternative potential paths forward,” the statement said. “The U.S. government remains committed to working on behalf of Britney and other Americans detained in Russia, including our unjustly detained colleague Paul Whelan.”
“Our top concern remains BG’s health and wellbeing. As we navigate this very difficult time, where we do not know exactly where BG is or how she is doing, we would like to ask for the public’s support and encourage you to continue writing to express your love and care for her.”
“We appreciate everyone’s support, and as we approach nine months in custody, we hope that BG and all unjustly detained Americans will be shown mercy and be able to return to their families in time for the holidays.”
Statement from the Women’s National Basketball Players Association on Brittany Griner’s transfer to a Russian prison. pic.twitter.com/mQg0kJ57I3
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) November 9, 2022
Now, and every day, we continue to pray for BG and her family. Visit We are BG Learn more about how you can help.
