Alexander Boikov, a lawyer for WNBA star Brittney Griner, provided an update on her case, revealing that the athlete’s pre-trial detention in Russia has been extended by one month. Griner was set to appear in court on May 19 and during proceedings on Friday in a Moscow court, where a judge also denied a request for Griner to be placed in home detention.
As we previously reported, Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, has been detained in Russia since February. This happened at a Moscow airport after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage, a crime that could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department classified Griner as “wrongfully detained” by Russia.
The WNBA and U.S. officials have worked toward her release, without much visible progress. The WNBA previously said in a statement, “As we begin the 2022 season, we are keeping Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We continue to work on bringing Brittney home and are appreciative of the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time.” Former U.N. ambassador Bill Richardson is assisting Griner’s family to help secure her return, according to CBS News.
Meanwhile as fans and family wait until that happens, her supporters and fellow athlete continue to show support for her. Considering the rising political tensions between the U.S. and Russia, Griner’s family and legal team have made comments publicly on her scary situation.
During Tuesday night’s post-game presser, Phoenix Suns’ All-Star Chris Paul also commented on WNBA and Phoenix Mercury star, Brittney Griner, and her detainment in Russia.
“This ain’t even just an NBA or WNBA thing,” Paul said. “I think everybody just wants her home. [Griner] is a huge part of the community here. We all support her [and] just want to try to get her home as soon as possible.”
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