WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in February for reportedly carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil in a Moscow-area airport. This week, the U.S. government provided an update on this situation.
According to ESPN’s T.J. Quinn, the U.S. government now considers Griner to be wrongfully detailed by the Russian government.
It’s unclear what led to the U.S. government making this massive shift. What we do know, however, is that it means officials will try to negotiate Griner’s release rather than let Russia’s legal system play out.
Additionally, WNBA players and supporters in Congress will be allowed to shed as much light on this situation as they want.
BREAKING: Brittney Griner is now classified as “wrongfully detained” by Russia, U.S. State Department says. Major shift in her case. Means officials will try to negotiate her release rather than let Russian legal system play out. Details within: https://t.co/UuXl5ZVpW4
— T.J. Quinn (@TJQuinnESPN) May 3, 2022
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert made it clear that bringing Griner back home remains the league’s top priority.
Until that day comes, the WNBA will honor her with a floor decal on all 12 courts.
“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” Engelbert said. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
At this time, Griner is scheduled to have a hearing on May 19.
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