Before celebrating the arrival of the next generation of WNBA players on Monday, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the perilous situation of one of the game’s biggest stars.
Engelbert fired the starting gun Monday’s WNBA Draft with an update on mercury phoenix all-star Brittney Grinerwhose remains imprisoned in a Russian prison. Engelbert did not provide details on Griner’s situation, but assured reporters that Griner is “safe.”
“Obviously we are getting a lot of support from the government, from the specialists,” Engelbert said. “And his representative can visit Brittney.
“We know she’s safe, but we want to get her home. So it’s a very complex situation right now and we’re following advice. Not a day goes by that we’re not talking to someone who has views.” what we’re doing and how we’re moving forward.
The latest on the Russian arrest of Griner
Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star, was arrested on drug charges in February after cartridges containing hashish oil were allegedly found on her during an airport security check in Moscow. She was traveling to join her UMMC Ekaterinburg’s Russian team, for whom she plays during the WNBA offseason.
She The detention was reportedly extended last month until May 19. while the state continues its investigation. If she is convicted of drug transportation charges, she faces up to 10 years in prison.
Griner’s arrest took place in the days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising fears that the Russian president Vladimir Putin could use it as a bargaining chip in the ongoing conflict. US State Department spokesman Ned Price announced on March 23 that a representative from the US embassy in Russia was able to visit Griner that day. Price announced that she was in “good condition” without giving further details about his well-being.
‘Complex geopolitical situation’
Information on his status remains scant as the US government navigates complicated diplomatic terrain with a Russian government openly committing human rights abuses. White House press secretary Jen Psaki has largely refused to elaborate when she was asked about Griner, and she told reporters in March that she would discuss details. it is “not constructive to bring people home”. Describing Griner’s arrest as an “unimaginable situation,” Engelbert reiterated that reality Monday.
“Obviously we are in a very complex geopolitical situation with Russia and Ukraine, so this remains complex,” Engelbert said. … “I know we’re all frustrated, but we have to be patient. I know the players have been amazing in following the advice they’re getting and that we’re getting to not jeopardize their safety at any point.” So we continue to follow that advice and continue to work on it.”
WNBA will continue Griner’s charitable efforts
Engelbert also announced that the WNBA will continue and expand the BG Heart and Sole Shoe Drive in WNBA cities. Griner has spearheaded the initiative to collect shoes for the homeless in Arizona since 2016.
“We will have a league-wide philanthropic initiative led by the Phoenix Mercury honoring BG and modeled after his work,” Engelbert said. “That’s going to take place in all 12 WNBA markets… The activations that we’re going to be doing that Mercury is leading are meant to remind us of the BG spirit of giving and doing the work that you’d be doing if you were here and the work that you’re doing.” He will join us when he returns.”
Reference-ca.sports.yahoo.com