Letter to the President of the United States from Russia-jailed WNBA star Britney Griner

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#USA, July 6, 2022 – “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.”

Those were the emotional excerpts from WNBA star Britney Griner in a handwritten letter delivered to President Joe Biden on Monday. The White House has confirmed receipt of the letter which came from Griner’s cell in Russia. While the entire letter remains private, excerpts were shared by Griner’s talent agency Wasserman.

The pro basketballer expressed terror and fear about the possibility that would be prevented from returning to the US, her home and her 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.” She said.

Her predicament, many believe, is exacerbated due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict; an incursion the US has vociferously denounced and criticised.  US support has been boldly aligned to supporting Ukraine.

Caught in the middle of the mess, Griner explained that because of her father who is a war veteran, freedom has always had a special meaning to her.

“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.”

Griner’s trial began last Friday, the basketball star was arrested in February on drug charges for possession of cannabis oil. Russia has denied that her detainment was politically motivated but the US disagrees. They say the WNBA star is being wrongfully detained.

Griner was in Russia during the off season playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian WNBA team. Many US WNBA players outsource themselves to overseas teams because of the low pay in the US.

Griner’s wife has complained against her Russian lawyer for not being communicable enough and says her wife is being held under less than hospitable conditions.

Griner could face 10 years in a Russian prison if convicted.

Bahamian Basketball star, also a WNBA player, Jonquel Jones was in Russia as well.  Jones joined the UMMC team and is on record expressing grief over the situation.

She said “I’ve been looking at these pictures that I have on my phone, the last set of pictures I took with her we were going to Valencia or wherever. We were all just joking and laughing around and stuff, and it’s just crazy how fast things can change.”

Two months ago she too expressed the stress of traveling through Russia on Twitter.

“Just landed in Turkey and all I want to do is cry. That situation was way more stressful than I realized. Thank you God for always watching over and protecting me.”

The US says they are doing everything they can to secure Griner is released.