As the NBA Finals push on, LeBron James is reminding the world of a crisis in Russia.
Weeks ago, Brittney Griner was wrongfully detained by Russian officials — and Americans all over the country have been pushing for her safe return ever since.
On Sunday, Bron took to Twitter to show his support for Griner with the following message:
On February 17, 2022, WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner was detained upon her arrival in Moscow. As of April 22, 2022, BC has been officially classified as a wrongful detention by the U.S. State Department, which signals she is being used as a political pawn and that regardless of the status of her legal case, the U.S. Government will seek to negotiate her release.
For over 100 days, BC has faced inhumane conditions in a Russian prison and has now been denied communications with her family and loved ones. As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sport community, BC’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally…
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. @uninterrupted 👑 #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/2GWV3Ff81p
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 6, 2022
Of course, LeBron isn’t the only one to speak up for Griner’s release. Several prominent figures around the league have brought awareness to the situation, including Nets star Kyrie Irving:
Irving has now taken to social media to strongly urge the government of the United States to make something happen, sharing a petition that is asking for something to be done in this situation.
“Brittney Griner has been illegally detained in Russia since February 17th, 2022. I’m urging the @WhiteHouse to prioritize Brittney’s safe return home immediately!”
The future is still uncertain for Griner. With all that is happening with Russia, it’s unlikely they will release her without getting something in return.
Nevertheless, with guys like LeBron and Kyrie on the case, she has a chance to be set free. Let us hope for the best over these next few weeks.
