Lisa Leslie has Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia on her mind, but she cannot say much.
The Phoenix Mercury star was arrested in February at a Moscow airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis. She was detained and has been held ever since.
Leslie, who played for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009, appeared on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast alongside Brandon Marshall, Chad Ochocinco, and Chantel Tremitiere and stated that WNBA players were told not to make a “big fuss” about the arrest.
“So, what we were told, and again, this is all sort of passed along through hearsay. What we were told was to not make a big fuss about it so they could not use her as a pawn, so to speak, in this situation in the war. So to make it like it’s not that important, or don’t make it like ‘Free Brittney’ and we start this campaign and it becomes something they can use,” Leslie said.
“That’s what we were ‘told’ and I don’t want to say who said that, but it’s what’s been spreading throughout the women’s basketball world.”
“Do we know if that’s the right thing to do or not?” Leslie asked. “It’s heartbreaking for all of us. That’s the feelings of it. You want to do more, and think, should we all use our social media platform and get behind it or not? Nobody really [knows]. This is the first time we’re in this situation, and we don’t know what to do.
“I talk with [South Carolina coach and six-time WNBA all-star] Dawn Staley, and people that I’m close with. We talk about it daily. We’re just like ‘Dang what’s she doing now? Do you think they cut off her hair? Does she have a bed long enough to fit in?’ We’ve had full on conversations about it, and I’m like her parents got to be sick. What’s the right thing to do about it?”
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Leslie explained she was fearful of what’s happening to Griner while she’s over in Russia. She is expected to be held captive at least until May. Her detention was extended until May 19.
Griner could face up to 10 years in a Russian prison if convicted.
In her career, Leslie was a three-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. The 49-year-old retired after the 2009 season.
Griner, 31, won the 2014 WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and is a seven-time all-star in the league.
