WNBA star Brittney Griner remains in Russia, where she was detained in February after authorities claimed to find vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis at a Moscow airport.
In March, Russian media said Griner’s detention was extended until May 19, but it’s since been eerily quiet regarding the scary situation.
On Monday, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert held a press conference at the site of the WNBA Draft. She addressed Griner’s situation, saying the league is continuing to work on her release.
“This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in,” Engelbert said, per Meredith Cash of Business Insider. “[We’re working with] everybody in our ecosystem to get her home as safely and quickly as we can… We will have a lead-wide philanthropic initiative honoring BG.”
“This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in… [We’re working with] everybody in our ecosystem to get her home as safely and quickly as we can… We will have a lead-wide philanthropic initiative honoring BG.”
— Meredith Cash (@mercash22) April 11, 2022
Via Hannah Withiam of Just Women’s Sports, Engelbert also said they’re “trying everything we can, every angle, working through with her legal representation, her agent, elected leaders, the administration.”
Cathy Engelbert: “We continue to work diligently on bringing Brittney Griner home. This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in. We are trying everything we can, every angle, working through with her legal representation, her agent, elected leaders, the administration.”
— Hannah Withiam (@HannahWithiam) April 11, 2022
It’s a highly delicate situation that’s likely affecting how much anyone can say publicly. Former Pentagon official Evelyn Farkas cautioned that Russia could use Griner as a “high-profile hostage” and bargaining chip with the United States as it wages war on Ukraine.
Griner, a seven-time All-Star, was playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA offseason. When asked about the league’s stars going overseas, often for more money, Engelbert said the notion that players have to find high-paying opportunities elsewhere “is a little bit outdated and inaccurate.” She said they can alternatively make money through programs that promote the WNBA at home.
Russia has mentioned a prison sentence of up to 10 years on Griner for charges of drug smuggling.
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