Brittney Griner, who’s been sentenced to nine years in prison for drug charges, celebrated her 32nd birthday on Tuesday.
The WNBA star, who’s played overseas for years like many of her colleagues, has been having a pretty tough time in prison, according to those close to her.
ESPN’s T.J. Quinn reports that the prison Griner is in has a basketball hoop, though no ball. Griner was reportedly offered a ball, though she declined.
“I asked Griner’s lawyer if she’s had an opportunity to play basketball since she was detained. She said the jail has a hoop, but no ball. When Griner’s lawyers offered to bring one, BG declined, saying it was too painful to think about,” he reported.
That’s heartbreaking to hear.
“💔 . Bring BG home,” one fan wrote.
“Absolutely heartbreaking 💔,” another fan wrote.
“Oh Jesus can she come home already?” one fan added.
“Gosh. This is so rough. Free BG!” one fan wrote on social media.
Griner, who turned 32 on Tuesday, has been in Russian custody since earlier this year.Â
Hopefully she’ll be brought home – and able to play again – soon.