After Brittney Griner’s appeal of her nine-year prison sentence was denied last month after she was convicted on drug charges after mistakenly bringing prescription hashish oil into Russia, the WNBA superstar is now headed to a Russian penal colony where she will likely face harsh treatment and conditions.
With this latest massive and scary update in the Brittney Griner saga, the WNBA Player’s Association released a statement expressing their continued support of the wrongfully-imprisoned star, and are urging other Americans to be even more vigilant in doing the same.
The Women's National Basketball Players Association's Statement Regarding Brittney Griner's Transfer to Russian Penal Colony. pic.twitter.com/mQg0kJ57I3
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) November 9, 2022
“We stand with Brittney Griner and will continue to call on all Americans and the global sports community to do the same with even more vigilance,” the statement said. “We are crushed that this scary, seemingly never-ending nightmare continues. The lack of clarity and transparency in the process compounds the pain.”
It’s a strong statement in support of Griner who is reportedly struggling with her mental health, and the sports world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
💔 #FreeBrittneyGriner #WeAreBG #bringbrittneyhome https://t.co/rTOn3nnVGE
— 🦋Nichelle Wright🦋 (@MissNyki) November 10, 2022
ban, boycott, have no business w russia. if countries cannot/will not protect athletes and treat them fairly while on their soil they do not deserve the privileges of being part of the world sports community. what brittney griner did warranted a fine and time served at most. https://t.co/Clqv6xgAIr
— struttin12 (@struttin121) November 9, 2022
Just the words Russian Penal Colony make me want to cry. https://t.co/Tc6bSfZqUQ
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) November 9, 2022
Other things are on many minds today. Do your processing but please continue to advocate for BG. https://t.co/AOOEFkqkQE #BrittneyGriner #FreeBrittneyGriner #WeAreBG https://t.co/cksD8J6QeR
— Linster (@thelinster) November 9, 2022
BRING HER HOME!! @POTUS @VP #WeAreBG https://t.co/YC9Z3c3bWM
— Lorene 😷📚 (@LoreneK025) November 9, 2022
Russia and the United State are engaged in ongoing negotiations as the two countries try to agree upon a potential prisoner swap that could send her back to the USA. While Russia has said that Griner’s release is not seen as a priority by the country, the United States is still persistent in the negotiations.
[WNBAPA]
