A new development has emerged regarding the detainment of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia. On Tuesday morning, Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, released a statement that indicated that the Biden administration would “do whatever is necessary” to secure her freedom. As a result, the Associated Press has reported that the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will now supervise her case. Recently, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs helped negotiate the successful release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed.
WNBA star Brittney Griner has reportedly been in the custody of Russian law enforcement for nearly three months. On February 17, ESPN reports that Griner was arrested at an airport near Moscow after hashish oil were allegedly found in her luggage. Griner was immediately detained and has not been able to deliver a public statement since then. If Griner is not released into U.S. custody, she faces anywhere from five to 10 years in prison overseas.
Moving forward, the WNBA will continue to honor her at games and advocate for her release. Earlier this week, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that a decal with Griner’s name and number will be placed on the home court of all 12 WNBA teams this season.
“As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” Englebert said.
“We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
