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Brittney Griner Releases Statement From Russian Prison On Her 32nd Birthday

Baylor's Brittany Griner answers a question during an NCAA college basketball press conference, Wednesday, March 31, 2010 in Waco Texas. Baylor faces Connecticut in a national semifinal basketball game at the Women's Final Four on Sunday, April 4, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Rod Aydelotte)

Brittney Griner is still very much in prison.

Sadly the WNBA star has to spend her 32nd birthday behind prison bars in Russia. The WNBA star was sentenced to nine years in prison for being caught with marijuana at the airport Today Griner’s lawyers released a message to the public on her behalf.

“Thank you everyone fighting so hard to get me home,” Griner said in a statement. “All the support and love are definitely helping me.”

Griner’s wife, Cherelle, also issued a statement:

“I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release,” she said, via TMZ. “As my family and I continue on this journey, I’d like to thank our friends, leaders and supporters who continue to stand with us and advocate for Brittney’s swift and safe return.”

“Let’s share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones,” Cherelle added.

Griner was detained earlier in the year  for possession of cannabis oil. The WNBA star plead  guilty to drug charges, saying that she accidentally packed a vape cartridge not knowing it would be an issue.  Following her arrest, U.S. State Department classified Griner as wrongfully detained, meaning that regardless of her legal status in Russia, the US government will seek to negotiate her release.

Let’s hope Griner can enjoy her 33rd birthday back in the states.

Prayers up for Griner.


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