Cherelle Griner Jul 8, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Cherelle Griner spouse of Brittney Griner during a press conference addressing the detention of Brittney Griner in Russia at Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

President Joe Biden met with Cherelle Griner, the wife of imprisoned WNBA star Brittney Griner, on Friday. While he couldn’t provide the good news that the WNBA star would be returning home from a Russian prison, it was a chance to remind Griner’s family and Paul Whelan’s family that the U.S. government is doing everything it can.

Cherelle spoke with reporters after the meeting and talked about the “quiet diplomacy” happening between the U.S. and Russia and where things stand.

“Cherelle’s sense after meeting with Biden was that negotiations have been very complex but that Biden is determined to get a deal done,” wrote CNN’s Abby Phillip.

“I don’t think they have quite figured out exactly what Russia wants in return for BG,” Cherelle said, per Phillip.

Cherelle added that she had been exchanging letters with Brittney during her imprisonment. While that’s a nice sentiment, she added that the letters have recently taken a “dark turn.”

“She’s not well, Cherelle told Phillip. “She’s losing it.”

Cherelle also released a statement of her own following the Biden meeting.

“I’ve felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her,” she said. “I look forward to the day my wife is back home. As my family and I continue on this journey, I’d like to thank the broad coalition of friends, leaders, and supporters who continue to stand with us and advocate for Brittney’s swift and safe return. Let’s share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones. Together We Are BG.”

[Abby Phillip, ESPN]

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.