Brittney Griner Named Honorary WNBA All-Star While Detained In Russia

Topline

Detained WNBA star Brittney Griner was named an honorary starter on Wednesday for the league’s upcoming All-Star Game, with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert saying there is “no doubt” Griner would have started in the game if she were not being held prisoner in Russia.

Key Facts

Griner, 31, has been named to every WNBA All-Star game held since she entered the league in 2013.

Griner, who has spent her entire WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, has not played during the 2022 season because she was arrested in Russia on February 17, one week before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Crucial Quote

“It is not difficult to imagine that if BG were here with us this season, she would once again be selected,” Engelbert said in a statement.

Key Background

Griner was taken into custody at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities claimed they found hashish oil in her luggage, which is illegal in Russia. She has yet to face trial, as her pre-trial detention period has been extended three times. State Department officials say they have been working for her release, but Russians appear reluctant to negotiate due to sanctions enacted in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Since May, the U.S. government has classified Griner as “wrongfully detained.” The circumstances of her imprisonment are largely unknown, but State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in March that officials confirmed she was in “good condition.” Under Russian law, she faces a sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.

Surprising Fact

Griner has played for a Russian team called UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason since 2014. It is common for WNBA players to also play for overseas clubs in order to supplement their income.

What To Watch For

The All-Star Game will be played July 2 at 3 p.m. Eastern time. July 2 is also the expiration date on Griner’s detention period, which was last extended earlier this week.

Further Reading

Kremlin Insists Brittney Griner Is Not A ‘Hostage’ After Extending Her Detention A Third Time (Forbes)

Brittney Griner Reportedly Reclassified As ‘Wrongfully Detained’ In Russia By U.S. (Forbes)

Brittney Griner In ‘Good Condition,’ U.S. Reports After Finally Visiting With WNBA Star (Forbes)