Report: Brittney Griner makes direct appeal to President Biden for freedom

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has reportedly made a direct appeal to President Joe Biden for her freedom, ESPN’s T.J. Quinn reported.

Quinn shared what he says are quotes acquired by ESPN from Griner’s “hand-written” letter to the White House.

“…as I sit in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments. I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner said.

“…I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”

Quinn reported that a representative for Griner said they will not release the entire letter, or detail how the letter got from Griner’s cell in Moscow to the White House.

Griner went on trial Friday, 4.5 months after her arrest in Russia on cannabis possession charges Feb. 17, and her sentence was extended by six months on June 27. Her trial is scheduled to continue on Thursday.

A rally will be held on Wednesday by the Mercury and Rep. Greg Stanton at Footprint Center in Griner’s support.

The United States has deemed this an unlawful detainment.

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