WNBA star Brittney Griner’s agent and wife have confirmed that she is being held in Russia and are doing everything they can to get her back safely.
“We are aware of the situation involving Brittney Griner in Russia and we are in contact with her, her lawyers, her family, her teams, the WNBA and the NBA,” her agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas told ESPN.
“As this is a legal matter, we cannot offer further details on the case, but confirm that we are working to return her home.”
Griner was apprehended by Russian authorities three weeks ago at Moscow airport for being in possession of a cannabis vape. Due to strict laws surrounding drug smuggling in Russia, she might face up to 10 years in prison.
“I understand that many of you have developed a fondness for [Griner] and want details,” slipped his wife, Cherelle Griner, in an Instagram post.
“I love my wife with all my heart, so your support and prayers come at the most difficult times of my life. Please honor our privacy as we work to safely repatriate my wife.”
With Vladimir Putin still leading an invasion on Ukrainian soil, some observers have raised the possibility that Griner may be detained due to economic sanctions imposed by his native country, the United States.
The 31-year-old Griner plays with UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason, where she plays with the Phoenix Mercury. She appeared in the WNBA All-Star game seven times and won the WNBA title once, in addition to being crowned in the Russian Championship, Women’s EuroLeague basketball and the NCAA.
