Lebron James has expressed his public support for WNBA player and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia for more than 100 days.
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for allegedly having marijuana vape cartridges in her luggage. During the WNBA offseason, she was in Russia playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Lakers star took to Twitter to ask President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to bring Griner home “swiftly and safely.”
The legendary basketball player also urged athletes to band together and take action in response to Griner’s detention. “We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!!” “Our voice as athletes is stronger together,” James said in the tweet requesting help and support.
James is urging the United States government to “immediately address this human rights issue” and “do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home.” He provided a link to a Change.org petition in support of the WNBA player.
Griner was charged with smuggling “narcotic drugs” by Russian authorities and if convicted, she could face up to ten years in prison. The Pheonix Mercury star’s pretrial detention was extended by one month last month, according to her lawyer.
Last month, the US Department of State also determined that the WNBA player was “wrongfully detained” when she was arrested in February. According to The Associated Press, the classification means that the US will push harder for Griner’s return home, even as her legal case continues to play out overseas.
James is the most recent NBA star to join the chorus of voices demanding Griner’s release.
Last Saturday, before their team practice, several Boston Celtics players wore “We Are BG” t-shirts with a QR code linking to the online petition to bring Griner home.