News

“Please Don’t Forget About Me:” Brittney Griner Sends Open Letter to President Biden From Russian Prison

WNBA star Brittney Griner has sent an open letter to the White House, requesting to be pardoned after five months of imprisonment in Russia.

Brittney Griner has penned an open letter to President Joe Biden, asking to not be forgotten after serving five months imprisonment in Russia. Per E News!, the letter was obtained through Griner’s publicist and written as a plea to Biden, months after the WNBA star was arrested on February 17 on suspicion of drug smuggling.

“On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,” the letter reads. “It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

Griner was arrested on February 17 in a Moscow airport after law enforcement discovered vape cartridges that allegedly contained hash oil during a baggage search. Charged with illegal crossing of a customs border with illegal narcotics according to ESPN, Griner could face 10 years imprisionment.

In the letter, the basketball star shared that she voted for Biden and hopes that he could ensure her release.

“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home,” Griner wrote. “I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore.”

She added, “I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now,” she concluded. “I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

Last week, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner spoke on CNN about her frustration with U.S. officials being at a standstill.

“This is not a situation where the rhetoric is matching the action,” she explained. “I do have to unfortunately push people to make sure that the things they’re telling me is also matching their actions and so it’s been the hardest thing to balance because I can’t let up. It’s over 130 days and BG’s still not back.”

Cherelle also revealed that she was open to speaking with Biden, adding, “While everyone wants to tell me they care, I’d love for him to tell me he cares.”

Jaelani Turner-Williams

Jaelani Turner-Williams is a contributing news writer for Okayplayer with bylines at Billboard, MTV News, NYLON, Recording Academy and more. Read her mind on Twitter at @hernameisjae.

Share
Published by
Jaelani Turner-Williams

Recent Posts

‘Swarm’ Co-Creator Janine Nabers Thinks Beyoncé Has Seen the Show

Swarm co-creator Janine Nabers told Vulture that Beyoncé has possibly watched the show, which was… Read More

March 22, 2023

Herbie Hancock, Thundercat, Kamasi Washington & More Set For Newport Jazz Festival

The 2023 Newport Jazz Festival lineup has been announced, with performers including Herbie Hancock, Thundercat,… Read More

March 22, 2023

Chris Rock Explains Why Arresting Donald Trump Would Be Like “Arresting Tupac”

During Adam Sandler's acceptance of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Chris Rock rifted… Read More

March 22, 2023

Sly Stone Announces Memoir Via Questlove’s New Publishing Imprint

Music legend Sly Stone has announced a new memoir co-authored by Ben Greenman, titled Thank… Read More

March 22, 2023

Seven of the Best Black-Owned Cocktail Bars in NYC

One of NYC’s first Black-owned cocktail bars opened in the 1840s. Now, a handful exist,… Read More

March 22, 2023

LaKeith Smith Gets Resentence After Being Convicted For Police Killing His Friend

LaKeith Smith, an Alabama man who was 15 when a police officer shot and killed… Read More

March 22, 2023