Last week, American reporter Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal was arrested in Russia and accused of spying for the United States government. Given that this situation hits close to home for WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, she and her wife Cherelle Griner wasted no time in publically advocating for his release.
On Sunday, Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner released a statement on social media where they pleaded that the United States must “do everything in our power” to secure his release from Russia.
“Our hearts are filled with great concern for Evan Gershkovitch and his family since Evan’s detainment in Russia,” the statement read. “We must do everything in our power to bring him and all Americans home. We are grateful for President Biden and his administration’s deep commitment to rescue Americans. We celebrate their recent successful efforts to bring home Jeff Woodke and Paul Rusesabagina.
“Every American who is taken is ours to fight for and every American returned is a win for us all. That is why we call on all of our supporters to both celebrate the wins and encourage the administration to continue to use every tool possible to bring Evan and all wrongfully detained Americans home.”
It was a pretty bold statement, but it turned out to be pretty controversial as not everyone was happy with Brittney Griner for inserting herself into the situation.
Reminds me of the "just because you've been through a tragedy, doesn't mean you're knowledgeable enough to solve it" https://t.co/zXW7CP05O0
— KiWi (@WSewagaba) April 2, 2023
Stick to basketball https://t.co/6voZuCLla1
— ryan zemke (@Zemke23) April 2, 2023
Girl you barely got home. You better lay low https://t.co/UrFlQ10m10
— Barry (@RealBeeski) April 2, 2023
Though Griner did have some supporters, as well, who came to her defense.
https://twitter.com/morganobrien/status/1642599207629406208?s=20
Once again…BG displaying the Baylor Bravery™️ https://t.co/O8PGWIinoT
— Baylor #1 Fan (@Dracoinwaco96) April 2, 2023
Comments say we should trade the reporter for Griner, once again proving it’s never about the law or the right things it’s about hate. https://t.co/ZagH01IcHG
— Just a human (@amandafoxtrot) April 2, 2023
Griner was released via a prisoner swap in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Perhaps a similar trade could be worked out in this situation.
