Sports

Actions

Griner receiving, answering WNBA players’ letters as NBA works to get her released

Russia Griner WNBA Player Experiences Basketball
Posted at 11:57 AM, Jun 03, 2022
and last updated 2022-06-03 13:57:54-04

WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for 105 days.

On Thursday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke at his annual pre-NBA Finals address, calling for Griner to be released from Russian custody.

"It’s been now over 100 days since she’s been illegally held in Russia," Silver said, according to NBC Sports and San Jose Mercury newspaper. "I think it’s something that all of us should be heard on, contacting your representatives and others. I will only say, we are working in lockstep with the U.S. government and outside experts on trying to expedite her release in any way we can. Certainly, our hearts go out to her and her family and are just eager for her safe return."

In February, the Phoenix Mercury star was arrested at a Russian airport for allegedly possessing hash oil.

Although Griner isn't out on the court with her teammates, they and other WNBA stars have been able to correspond with her.

According to the Associated Press, WNBA players have been able to write emails and letters to her, which are then delivered to Griner by her lawyer.

Russian officials vet the letters before she reads them, the AP reported.