It has been nearly 100 days since WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia after she was accused of having vape cartridges in her luggage that contained hashish oil. Now her wife Cherelle Griner is speaking out about her detainment in a new interview with Robin Roberts.
Cherelle sat down with Robin and shared that she learned about Brittney’s detainment from Brittney herself. She said that Brittney had been in Russia playing basketball during her off-season from the WNBA, and when she was at the airport getting ready to return, that is when she learned that Brittney had been detained.
“She started texting me around 2 am that morning,” said Cherelle. Brittney alerted her wife and said that the people from customs grabbed her and placed her in a room. Brittney’s phone was then taken from her, and Cherelle says she has not received a phone call from Brittney, but they have been communicating through letters.
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Cherelle shared that she would like to speak with President Joe Biden, saying,
“I keep hearing he has the power. She’s a political pawn so if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.”
Robin also touched on the minimal pay that WNBA players receive, which causes them to go out of the country to play basketball, that way they can maintain their lifestyle. ABC News notes that the top WNBA salary is $228K, whereas stars in the NBA can make at least $1 million a year.
When speaking on the court decals that have been placed on WNBA basketball courts throughout the league, Cherelle emotionally said,
“I think it comforts B.G., it lets her know she is not forgotten. I know it makes her feel good because she doesn’t want to be forgotten.”
"Every single day matters … to make sure that she comes back."
Cherelle Griner, the wife of WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, who has been detained in a Russian prison for nearly 100 days, speaks to @robinroberts about the fight to bring her home. https://t.co/A7bpCs5jQp pic.twitter.com/Yv8GFk5hfW
— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 25, 2022
Earlier this month, Brittney was officially declared wrongfully detained. After appearing in court, her detainment was extended for another month.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
