The Message Is Clear: Free Brittney Griner
One thing that has not wavered this week is the outpouring of support Griner got from the entire basketball community and beyond.
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President Biden, USA Basketball, the Phoenix Mercury, and others made official statements expressing disappointment in Griner’s sentence on Thursday.
She also received personal messages of support from teammates and fellow athletes across sports.
Before Griner’s trial ended, a number of her UMMC Ekaterinburg teammates made statements on social media, asking the court for leniency.
Stars like Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Kristi Toliver, Courtney Vandersloot, and Emma Meesseman wrote, “Out of respect for the sanctity of sport, that Russia will have mercy and show compassion to BG as her trial ends,” adding that they hope Russia will someday again be welcoming to Western athletes.
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Other athletes who have played in Russia expressed similar sentiments, like Becky Hammon, Arike Ogunbowale, Diana Taurasi, and Amanda Zahui B.
After the sentence was announced, players across the league expressed their dismay.
Ogunbowale called it “sickening,” writing “Can’t just play with people’s lives like that.”
“We will not stop advocating for your release,” wrote South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.
“Hold on to God’s unchanging hand. We love you, BG!”
Erica Wheeler of the Atlanta Dream wrote that today “hit a little different. … I can’t even imagine how her family feels! I pray God is protecting her mental but more importantly keep fighting BG.”
Meanwhile…
Other official statements from various organizations came through as Griner’s sentence was announced to the public.
USA Basketball said that the organization is “disappointed at the outcome of the legal proceedings against Brittney Griner,” and that “the bravery Brittney is demonstrating in the face of these unimaginable circumstances speaks to the person she is and the strength she possesses.”
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In a show of both support and intent, President Biden called the sentence “unacceptable” and again referred to Griner as wrongfully detained.
The statement continued: “My administration will continue to work tirelessly to pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
“I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”
The NBA and WNBA released a joint statement: “Today’s verdict and sentencing is unjustified and unfortunate but not surprising, and Brittney Griner remains wrongfully detained.”
The Phoenix Mercury made their own heartfelt statement: “While we knew it was never the legal process that was going to bring our friend home, today’s verdict is a sobering milestone in the 168-day nightmare being endured by our sister, BG.”
“We remain faithful the Administration will do what it take to end her wrongful detention.”
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