WNBA Star Brittney Griner Writes Open Letter To the President As Trial Begins

In February, WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner was detained at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. Police dogs smelled something in her suitcase. That something, according to police, was cannabis oil. Police claim she had vape canisters in her luggage.

Griner was detained and remains in a Russian prison awaiting trial. If she is found guilty, she could face 10 years in a Russian prison.

Months later, as she sat alone in prison in a foreign country, Griner wrote a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to try to get her home. She wrote, “as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.”

Then she reflected on the freedom that we celebrate on the 4th of July and what freedom means to her right now. She explained, “On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

Finally, Griner pleaded for her own freedom. She wrote, “I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

On July 1st, Griner entered the courtroom for the first session of trial. Trial is set to resume on July 7th.

Watch the video below to learn more about the case against Griner and how drastically different a criminal court case plays out in a Russian court as opposed to in the United States.

Do you think President Biden will try to get Griner home? Do you think she will end up in a Russian prison for the next 10 years?