Cherelle Griner believes that the US leader is the only figure capable of securing the release of her partner Brittney
Brittney Griner’s wife Cherelle believes US President Joe Biden can use his power to free the WNBA basketball player from Russian custody.
The Phoenix Mercury center was arrested at the Moscow airport after a search revealed vape cartridges alleged to contain hashish oil in his luggage.
With Griner facing a 10-year prison term in Russia, the Biden administration is already certain that the 31-year-old is being wrongfully detained. However, according to Cherelle Griner, who last heard her partner’s voice on February 17 when she was detained, Biden can step in and bring her back to her homeland.
“There is one person who can go get her, and that is our president.” Griner explained on Good Morning America.
“She has that power. You know, I’m like, ‘Why aren’t we using it? Like, urgently, use it’. We hope that she will use the power of him to do it ».
“I am in a position of total vulnerability right now. I have to trust people I didn’t even know until February 17.” Cherelle Griner, who has already spoken with US Secretary of State Antony Bilnken as well as the NBA and WNBA commissioners, admitted.
“So I trust your lawyers… ‘How does it look? How is your spirit? How’s your energy?’ I’m just asking all those questions, trying to get some kind of indication or vibe.
“Some days they say, ‘She’s very strong… She seemed in a good mood when we talked.’ And sometimes they’ll say, ‘Her energy from her was really low.’ Cherelle Griner explained.
With Brittney Griner returning to Russia to finish the UMMC Ekaterinburg season following her arrest, Cherelle Griner is also frustrated that there would have been more urgency from the US government if her wife was an NBA player. detained in Russia.
“We live in a world where the bigger the platform, the greater the urgency.” Cherelle Griner highlighted, noting that many WNBA players have to compete abroad in the winter because they are not paid enough at home.
“She just said she was so tired of always having to go abroad.” Cherelle added from the first pick in the 2013 draft. “So we talked about it, and I was like, ‘So let’s make this your last year abroad.’
“I’m so sorry she’s going through this. Like she kills me ». Cherelle Griner wailed.
While a trio of US representatives have called for Griner’s release, former UN Ambassador Bill Richardson is also working on it.
“I think the Russians used them as currency.” Richardson, who secured the release of former US Marine Trevor Reed from Russian detention in April, told HBO this week.
“They want something in return. Usually another prisoner, a Russian, in the United States. I am convinced that the Russians are going to ask for something in return, because Brittney Griner has a very high profile.
“What makes it feasible is that the President of the United States is ready to consider a prisoner exchange, which we have not done.” [done] too much in the past.
For Cherelle Griner, however, she just wants “the glue of our family” return home as soon as possible.
“She’s literally the kindest, sweetest person you’ll ever meet, and she’s so genuine.” grinner said.
“When we’ve been able to communicate, through letters, she says, ‘I’m so sorry I’m making your life difficult right now. Don’t give up on me though.’” And I say, ‘I’m not giving up on you. This is not your fault.’” Cherelle Griner concluded.