Brittney Griner, WNBA star, asked President Joe Biden for permission to take her home from Russia. She is currently being held on drug smuggling and other charges.
Griner wrote, “As I sit here alone with my thoughts, without the protection of family, friends or any accomplishments. I’m afraid I might be here forever.”
Griner’s letter was released Monday by a spokesperson, who said that the document was handed to the president on Monday. The White House did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the letter.
Griner, a Houston native and a center for The Phoenix Mercury, was taken into custody in February by Russian Federal Customs Service agents from Sheremetyevo, near Moscow. She is a member of a Russian team in the WNBA’s offseason.
“I miss my wife!” I miss my family! She wrote to Biden, “I miss my teammates!” It hurts me to see them suffering right now. “I am grateful to you for doing whatever you can to help me get home.”
Russian authorities claim that Griner was in possession vape cartridges containing cannabis-derived marijuana. Griner’s representatives aren’t addressing the technical substance of the alleged possession. The line between non-psychoactive cannabis, better known as CBD — which is used by athletes to aid in recovery from workouts — and psychoactive cannabis, isn’t recognized by Russia. The United States considers CBD legal, and in 2018 the World Anti-Doping Agency removed the substance from its prohibited list.
Griner acknowledged July Fourth in her letter as a day to celebrate our nation’s freedoms.
Griner stated, “On the Fourth of July, our families normally honor the service of those who have fought for freedom,” It hurts to think about how I celebrate this day, because freedom is something entirely different for me this year.
She begged Biden to keep working for her freedom.
She wrote, “I know you are dealing with so many things, but please don’t forget me and other American Detainees.” Please do everything you can to bring us back. I voted in 2020 for the first time and voted for you. I believe in you. You can do so much for my freedom.
While the White House continues to insist that Griner is wrongfully held, officials say they are working behind-the scenes to release Griner. Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated Monday that “the U.S government continues to work aggressively — using all available means — to return her home.” She also said that the administration maintains “regular contact” with Griner’s family.
Watson said that the National Security Advisor Sullivan had spoken with Brittney twice over the past two week and that the White House closely coordinates with the Special Presidential Envoy to Hostage Affairs. Watson also stated that Brittney’s family, teammates and support network have met with Watson.
The animosity between Russia and the U.S. only adds to the complexity of the situation. Griner was detained less than a week prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This set in motion economic sanctions and the withdrawal of Western businesses. It also allowed for the shipment of weapons and technology to Ukraine.
Jake Sullivan, national security advisor to the president, spoke to reporters on June 28 about Griner’s situation aboard Air Force One en-route to Madrid. He stated that the matter was “under the most careful attention of the president.”
He said that the Russian government should release her, and allow her to be reunited with her family so she can return home safe and sound.
Sullivan stated that he and Secretary Of State Antony Blinken had spoken to Griner’s spouse recently and expressed their sympathies for the family’s pain.
