Brittney Griner has been detained in a Russian prison for over 130 days.
The 31 year old all-star is currently under criminal investigation for “large-scale transportation of drugs.” The offense in Russia could carry a sentence of over 10 years.
After months of her wife and WNBA teammates making calls to state department officials to plan for her release, it appears Griner is taking a more direct approach.
In a Monday letter to President Biden, the Phoenix Mercury star appealed to the President saying “I’m terrified I might be here forever.”
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other detainees,” the letter went on to say. “Please do all you can to bring us home.”
The former Baylor star made an important note to the president saying she voted for him in the 2020 election, the first time she had ever done so.
The White House National Security Council confirmed the White House has received Griner’s letter.
Griner averaged over 20 points per game in the 2021 season with Phoenix and is a 7x all-star. The WNBA also announced that she would be an honorary all-star this season as well on July 10th.
As of this morning, there has not been any contact between President Biden and Griner’s wife, Cherelle.
“BG is probably the strongest person that I know. So she doesn’t say words like that lightly,” Cherelle said in regards to the letter. “That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. And you know I share those same sentiments”
NBA also speaks up on Griner’s detainment
The WNBA isn’t the only league speaking out for one of their own.
In a statement, NBA superstar Lebron James said “We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!! Our voice as athletes is stronger together.”
The Boston Celtics also wore shirts in solidarity to Griner during Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
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