By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After standing trial and her detention in Russia being extended for six more months, Brittney Griner addressed US President Joe Biden in a handwritten letter released by the communications company representing the Griner family.
“(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,” wrote the WNBA star.
Griner, 31, was arrested about five months ago, arriving in Moscow from New York. A scan of her luggage had revealed vape cartridges containing hash oil, as noted by Russian authorities. She has been facing up to ten years in prison but her wife, friends, family, and the White House as well have called for wrongful detention connected to the escalating political tension between Russia and the USA.
“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,” she added in the letter delivered early Monday, on the date of Independence Day in the United States.
“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,” she asked for help in her release in a separate excerpt of the letter.
Back in February, Griner was initially set to extend her successful run with the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Since 2014, she had been spending the offseason of the WNBA displaying her talents overseas splitting her career between the Phoenix Mercury and Russia.
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