(Los Angeles) It is with sadness and anger that the sports world greeted the sentencing of American basketball player Brittney Griner to nine years in prison by a Russian court for drug trafficking, calling for action to “free BG”.
Posted at 2:51 p.m.
After Joe Biden’s strong words, deeming this verdict “unacceptable” and asking “Russia to immediately release” Griner, it was the North American Women’s Basketball League (WNBA), which reacted first in a joint statement. with the NBA.
Both bodies deplored the “unfair and regrettable” conviction of the women’s basketball star, adding “the verdict […] was predictable, and Brittney remains wrongfully detained.”
“The WNBA’s commitment to her safe return has not wavered and we hope that the end of this process to bring Brittney Griner back to the United States for good is approaching,” the league commissioner concluded. , Cathy Engelbert.
The American Basketball Federation also expressed its disappointment, but not its surprise “given what we know of the procedure”.
“We continue to support BG in every way we can and remain engaged with the US State Department as they work to bring her home. The bravery Brittney shows in the face of these unimaginable circumstances is a testament to the person she is and the strength she possesses,” USA Basket concluded.
“Political Pawn”
For the Phoenix Mercury, his “broken-hearted” WNBA team, Brittney Griner’s conviction marks a “significant step” in “the nightmare endured for 168 days by our sister, BG”.
“We will not allow it to be forgotten. We are BG,” the Arizona club added.
Several sportswomen and sportsmen have expressed such dismay.
“Seeing BG behind these bars breaks my heart. Praying hard for her today,” tweeted Diamond DeShields, who plays for the defending WNBA champion Chicago Sky.
Speaking to Joe Biden, former women’s basketball star Swin Cash asked: “Please […] bring Brittney Griner home! We will not stop advocating for it…”.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week that Washington had made a “substantial offer” to Moscow to free Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia for espionage.
Many voices have called on the government to continue this negotiation process, with the player’s agent, Lindsay Colas, stressing on Twitter that the sentencing “proves what we’ve known all along, which is that Brittney is being used as a political pawn “.
” Not possible ! 9 years ? Bring our sister and friend home. #FREEBG “, finally called Grant Williams, winger of the Boston Celtics, beaten in the NBA finals in June by Golden State.
These “FREEBG” (“Free BG”) were relayed from all sides on social networks.