On July 4th, a day that signifies freedom in the United States, Brittney Griner sent a letter to the White House, pleading with President Joe Biden to bring her home.
The WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist was detained in Russia on a cannabis possession charge on February 17. Her trial began on Friday, and Griner faces up to 10 years in prison on drug smuggling charges.
Portions of her letter were made public including:
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic Jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
Followed later by:
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees,” Griner wrote. “Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Griner’s arrest highlighted the poor relationship between the United States and Russia. Her detainment came less than a week before Russia sent troops into Ukraine, and in response to the attack, the United States announced new sanctions against Russia. On April 29, the U.S. State Department classified Griner’s arrest as a wrongful detention.
According to the Associated Press, less than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted.
“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” Griner wrote. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
In late June, Griner had a phone call set up with her wife on their fourth anniversary. Because there was no one at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow able to connect the phone call, it never happened. Cherelle Griner spoke out, voicing her displeasure and disappointment.
Athletes around the United States have also been advocating for Griner’s release, creating a website to demand action. Many Celtics players wore “We Are BG” shirts prior to the NBA Finals.
Like about half of WNBA players, Griner played in higher-paying overseas leagues during the offseason. Griner played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg.
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