This year’s 2022 WNBA All-Star game took place at Wintrust Arena in Chicago and there was a glaring absence felt in the arena. Brittney Griner, the former WNBA MVP still remains in Russian custody after being accused of drug smuggling back in February. Griner pleaded guilty in Russian court last week and will reappear in court on Thursday.
While Griner was not in attendance, the league made her an honorary All-Star and starter at Sunday’s game which prompted a standing ovation from the crowd. During warm-ups, the 20 All-Stars sported warm-up shirts that featured Griner’s name and number on the back as a sign of solidarity in the fight for her release. In addition, the women wore jerseys during the game that displayed the number 42 on every jersey in support.
Griner’s wife, Cherelle, was courtside for the event and received support from the attendees of the game. ESPN’s Holly Rowe was able to sit down with Cherelle for an interview. “It’s always going to be difficult being around basketball without my wife being present but I use these moments as just gratitude for her legacy and impact,” Griner said. “You know, that, even in her absence, you can’t not say Brittney Griner. So, I’m just so grateful that everybody in this arena is actually still remembering my wife.”
Griner’s wife has been a key advocate in working toward bringing Brittney home. She has spoken publicly about the government’s lack of involvement going as far as calling on the President and Vice President to show more support. This past week, Cherelle called upon former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to assist in the negotiations of Griner’s release.
Richardson served as a U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Bill Clinton era. Richardson was instrumental in U.S. Marine veteran Trevor Reed’s release from Russian custody after being detained for three years. Cherelle is hoping Richardson can assist in Griner’s release as well. He has also been working with Paul Whelan’s family to bring him home to the United States.
Despite originally being frustrated with the Biden administration and their lack of involvement to get Griner back on U.S. soil, Cherelle went on to say, “Well, what I do know is, President Biden and his administration took the time to actually write BG back, and she is so grateful for that,” she said. “And right now, I truly believe the next step in this journey is actually to support our administration and making sure that they have our support to do whatever is necessary to bring her back home.
On Friday, WNBA Players’ Association president, Nneka Ogwumike spoke at a press conference regarding Griner with Cherelle Griner, the Rev. Al Sharpton and WNBA star Sue Bird by her side asking for mercy for Griner. Sue Bird’s fianceé Megan Rapinoe received the Presidential Medal of Honor last week donning a white suit with Brittney Griner’s initials embroidered on the lapel.
Athletes around the United States continue to support Griner during her detainment and hope to see her trade or release negotiated in the near future so she can be reunited with her wife and family. “BG, Brittney Griner, is an American hero,” said Ogwumike. “She is ours and she is yours, and we must get her home.”
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