Imprisoned Griner Gets Support From USA Basketball Teammates
Apr 1, 2022, 2:18 PM
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury is defended by Azurá Stevens #30 of the Chicago Sky during the first half of Game Four of the WNBA Finals at Wintrust Arena on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A’ja Wilson wishes that she and her USA Basketball teammates could do more to help Brittney Griner right now.
They’ve all been straddling the line of trying not to say anything that could potentially hurt the WNBA star’s case while she’s still imprisoned in Russia on drug allegations, but also wanting Griner and her family to know that they care about her.
#WomenHoopToo – We continue to bring to and keep in your minds that a female professional basketball player comparable to LeBron James is sitting in a cell in Russia. Let's keep "Free Brittney Griner" out there – it may be her only hope! pic.twitter.com/WHGIdqcf3H
— Women Hoop Too Movement (@womenhooptoo) March 25, 2022
The Phoenix Mercury star was detained after arriving at a Moscow airport in mid-February.
Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Griner was returning to the country after the Russian League was taking a break for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.
