Brittney Griner’s peers in the WNBA are emotional and running out of patience when it comes to her being freed from Russia. Griner, who has been detained in Russia for over five months, was found guilty on drug charges in a Moscow-area court Thursday. She was then sentenced to nine years in prison.
The judge found that Griner had criminal intent and said she was guilty of smuggling and storing illegal drugs.
Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart took to Twitter on Friday and called out the entire White House to make a move.
“It has been 169 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG,” Stewart tweeted.
U.S. President Joe Biden slammed Russia in a statement on Thursday following Griner’s sentencing and called on Russia to “release her immediately.”
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
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The 31-year-old Houston native who plays professional basketball for the Phoenix Mercury was detained on Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki as she returned to Russia to play during the WNBA’s offseason after she was accused of having vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in the country.
Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in court last month, saying that the vape cartridges containing hashish oil were in her luggage mistakenly and that she had no “intention” of breaking Russian law.
