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LeBron Jamesis speaking out in support ofBrittney Grineras the Phoenix Mercury star, 31, remains in Russia, where she has beendetainedsince February.
On Sunday, James, 37, shared a message on Twitter “demanding” PresidentJoe Bidenand Vice PresidentKamala Harrisactively work on Griner’s safe return.
“As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sport community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally,” the Los Angeles Lakers star wrote on behalf of his company, Uninterrupted. “It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home.”
“We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!!” James said. “Our voice as athletes is stronger together.”
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Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow in February after vape cartridges containing hash oil were allegedly found in her luggage.
At the time, the Russia Federal Customs Servicesaid in a statementthat the WNBA star had flown to Moscow from New York when a customs service dog at the airport indicated that drugs were possibly located inside her carry-on bag. Customs officers searched the bag and allegedly found vape cartridges that contained liquid with hash oil.
Griner was later taken into custody. She has been charged with smuggling “narcotic drugs” into the country, according to the Customs Service statement. The basketball champion faces five to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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The U.S. State Department has now classified Griner’s arrest aswrongful detainment, which indicates a shift in how government officials are attempting to bring her home.
“The U.S. Government will continue to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner and her family.”
James isn’t the only NBA star who’s spoken out in solidarity with Griner. Last Saturday, several Boston Celtics stars — includingJayson Tatum,Jaylen BrownandMarcus Smart— wore “We Are BG” shirts, which featured a QR code linking to the same petition, ahead of their team practice.
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“As a collective, we wanted to come out and show our support for Brittney Griner,” Brown said of the shirts during apress conference. “She’s been over there for an extended amount of time, and we feel like enough is enough.”
Days earlier, ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, NBA CommissionerAdam Silversaid the league is actively working with the government to"expedite" Griner’s release.
“It’s been now over a hundred days since she’s been illegally held in Russia,” Silver said. “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 just are eager for her safe return. And so I join my colleagues in the WNBA in making reference to her as well.”
source: people.com
