LeBron James Calls On Biden To Bring Brittney Griner Home From Russia

Topline

LeBron James joined the growing voices calling for WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from Russia, where she has been detained on drug charges for over 100 days, as the NBA community becomes increasingly more supportive of her cause.

Key Facts

Big Number

51.4 million. That’s how many followers James has on Twitter—substantially more than the 15,100 the Women’s National Basketball Players Association has, which is the players’ group that has been calling for Griner’s release.

Key Background

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport in February when vape cartridges containing hashish oil were allegedly discovered in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Griner was in the country to play during the WNBA’s off-season, something many players do to supplement the low salaries they get in the U.S. News of her detainment was not publicly known until March. In April, the U.S. determined Griner was “wrongfully detained,” which according to the WeAreBG site, “signals that regardless of the status of her legal case, the U.S. government will seek to negotiate her release.” The State Department has repeatedly stated Griner’s case is a top priority to their organization. Three members of Congress introduced a resolution last month to urge the government to push for Griner’s release. Forbes reported in May that the government is considering freeing Griner through a prisoner swap, which is how U.S. military veteran Trevor Reed was released from Russia in April.

Tangent

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the organization is working “side by side” with the WNBA for Griners’ release. The WNBA, which started their season in May, has painted Griner’s initials and number on every court, and is one of the major voices pushing for her homecoming.

Further Reading

Brittney Griner Communicating Through Email From Russian Detention (Forbes)

Brittney Griner Involved In Possible Prisoner Swap With Russia (Forbes)

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

State Department: Brittney Griner Remains ‘Top Priority’ As Russia Releases Trevor Reed (Forbes)

Lawmakers Introduce Resolution To Free Brittney Griner From Russia (Forbes)