WNBA star Brittney Griner has sent an open letter to the White House, requesting to be pardoned after five months of imprisonment in Russia.
Brittney Griner has penned an open letter to PresidentJoe Biden, asking to not be forgotten after serving five months imprisonment in Russia. Per E News!, the letter was obtained through Griner’s publicist and written as a plea to Biden, months after the WNBA star was arrested on February 17 on suspicion of drug smuggling.
“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,” the letter reads. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”
Griner was arrested on February 17 in a Moscow airport after law enforcement discovered vape cartridges that allegedly contained hash oil during a baggage search. Charged with illegal crossing of a customs border with illegal narcotics according to ESPN, Griner could face 10 years imprisionment.
In the letter, the basketball star shared that she voted for Biden and hopes that he could ensure her release.
“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,” Griner wrote. “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.”
She added, “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now,” she concluded. “I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Last week, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner spoke on CNN about her frustration with U.S. officials being at a standstill.
“This is not a situation where the rhetoric is matching the action,” she explained. “I do have to unfortunately push people to make sure that the things they’re telling me is also matching their actions and so it’s been the hardest thing to balance because I can’t let up. It’s over 130 days and BG’s still not back.”
Cherelle also revealed that she was open to speaking with Biden, adding, “While everyone wants to tell me they care, I’d love for him to tell me he cares.”