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.