LeBron James and other NBA players call to have WNBA player Brittney Griner return home safely from Russia.
On his social media pages, James shared with followers encouraging them to demand President Biden secure the release of Griner.
He wrote, “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.”
Carmelo Anthony, James’ teammate, also took to his social media to explain that Griner was wrongfully detained in Russia. He said in his caption, “It’s been 105 days since Brittney Griner has been wrongfully detained in Russia.”
He added, “She is a human and she needs to come home.”
Brittney Griner was detained in Russia after it was reported that authorities found cannabis vape cartridges during a routine search on February 17th. A month later, on March 17th, Griner’s arrest was extended until May 19.
Since being detained, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, spoke out about the situation for the first time and said, “I just keep hearing that, you know, [Biden] has the power. She’s a political pawn. So if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.”
She added, “I don’t know [if I feel that she’s top priority]. I was grateful for the call [from Senator Blinken]. But you say she’s top priority. I want to see it. And I feel like to see it would be me seeing [Brittney] on US soil.”
"Every single day matters … to make sure that she comes back."
Cherelle Griner, the wife of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, who has been detained in a Russian prison for nearly 100 days, speaks to @robinroberts about the fight to bring her home. https://t.co/A7bpCs5jQp pic.twitter.com/Yv8GFk5hfW
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 25, 2022