Brittney Griner Sends Joe Biden A Desperate Independence Day Plea

Brittney Griner continues to be held in Russian custody. The New York Times reported that the professional basketball player was detained in February, a week before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Griner was held after Russians found marijuana vape cartridges in Griner's luggage during a security checkpoint. The WNBA player was detained, with her detention extended multiple times. Griner's situation went from bad to worse in late June, when the Russians extended her detention for the fourth time. The Times reported Griner began a trial in a Russian court on July 1.

The United States government is trying to help Griner, but her wife isn't clear on details. In an interview on the radio show "Keepin' It Real with Rev. Al Sharpton," Cherelle Griner said, "I'm definitely being told a lot of persuasive statements that [Griner] is a priority and that they're doing everything that they can and that it's already at the highest point of the chain of command." The U.S. State Department made an announcement in May about the WNBA basketball player. A spokesperson said, "The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner," per People. The State Department pledged the government would "continue to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner and her family." But now, Griner is issuing a plea to President Joe Biden.