Brittney Griner Makes Plea To President Joe Biden For Release

WNBA star Brittney Griner penned a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden, making a plea for her release back to America. "As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I'm terrified I might be here forever," wrote Griner, per CBS. "On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year."

Along with her own release, the Phoenix Mercury center also called for other American prisoners to be set free. "I realize you are dealing with so much," she wrote, "But please don't forget about me and the other American detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home."

Griner also penned in the letter that she voted for Mr. Biden in 2020, the first time she voted. "I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore," she wrote.

Adrienne Watson, the spokeswoman for the National Security Council wrote in a statement Monday (July 4) that they are doing their part and utilizing their best efforts to bring the WNBA star home, "We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner. President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively – using every available means — to bring her home. The President's team is in regular contact with Brittney's family and we will continue to work to support her family."

Griner has been detained since February when she was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Russia for allegedly carrying vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage.

If convicted, the offense could land the basketball star 10 years in prison.

Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle T. Griner, is speaking out on the WNBA star's behalf after it was reported she had been detained in Russia for several weeks.

"Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life," Cherelle captioned a photo of the two smiling on the beach. "I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!"

Russian officials said Griner was detained after they found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow per NBC.

The offense could land the basketball star 10 years in prison.

Griner has played over in Russia for the past seven years. The last time she played in a game was Jan. 29 for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg before the two-week hiatus in February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

Griner's home team, The Phoenix Mercury, released a statement eager for the athlete's return back to the United States.

“We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home,” the team said.

The USA Basketball league also expressed concern with Griner's return.

"Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns," the tweet said.

Per the outlet, the State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens thinking of heading to Russia as the Ukraine/Russia conflict escalates.

Look at the outpouring of support for Brittney from fans: