Brittney Griner appeals to Biden in letter: 'I am terrified I might be here forever' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: REUTERS-Scanpix Credit REUTERS-Scanpix

The detained WNBA star Brittney Griner made a direct appeal to US president Joe Biden for her freedom in a handwritten letter that was delivered to the White House on Monday morning, according to her representatives.

Three excerpts from the letter were made public, while the rest is being kept private, the statement said.

"[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," the player wrote, according to a statement released by the communications company representing the Griner family.

The 31-year-old athlete, who has played in Russia during the WNBA's offseason, was arrested on February 17 at a Moscow airport, a week before Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance. US officials say she has been wrongfully detained.

"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 wrote to Biden.

"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. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."

The White House National Security Council (NSC) confirmed the White House had received Griner's letter.

"We believe the Russian Federation is wrongfully detaining Brittney Griner," NSC spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Monday. "President Biden has been clear about the need to see all U.S. nationals who are held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad released, including Brittney Griner. The U.S. government continues to work aggressively -- using every available means -- to bring her home."

Griner's trial on charges that she tried to smuggle vape cartridges with hashish oil into Russia began last Friday. She could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges.

According to The Associated Press, fewer than 1% of defendants in Russian criminal cases are acquitted, and unlike in the U.S., acquittals can be overturned.

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