Ever since Brittney Griner was detained in Russia, several athletes have come forth to extend their support. NBA stars such as Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving have been vocal on the Griner case. Recently, WNBA legends Dawn Staley and Tara VanDerveer donned similar T-shirts that had Brittney Griner’s sketched portrait. The duo wore the sweatshirt to the South Carolina vs Stanford game on November 20, 2022.

While the game itself was a treat to watch, it was the Brittney Griner tribute that was the talking point of the show. The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Dawn Staley and Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer both wore long-sleeved white T-Shirt. The tee had Brittney Griner’s name, sketch, and a message on the back. Additionally, there was a ‘Dear BG’ table where well-wishers could leave their messages meant for the WNBA champion.

“It?s a personal fight for us to bring her home, and every little bit counts. Every little bit, every letter…If it was anyone?s loved one, loved ones, you would fight for them,” said Staley.

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Additionally, she said that she was optimistic about the matter and felt that Griner would be back home sooner than later.

Russian court sends Brittney Griner to a penal colony

Days after Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner‘s plea was rejected, her attorneys revealed that she was being transferred to a penal colony. Anxiety crept over Griner’s fans and loved ones as her exact location remained unknown. On November 19, it was reported that Griner had been moved to an isolated colony about 210 miles outside Moscow.

Since the news of her transfer got out, several ex-inmates have come forth to share their experience at the isolated colony. Feminist art group member Maria Alyokhina compared the prison to a Gulag labor camp, an establishment introduced by Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. She said that the guards wouldn’t allow them to sleep and they would have to do mundane chores to prevent themselves from falling asleep.

“Put matches back in a box. Sew name tags into your uniform. Make a list of your belongings. All so you won?t fall asleep. Sleeping is a violation of the rules,” said Alyokhina.

Another ex-inmate US Marine Trevor Reed had spent about 1000 days in a Russian prison. Reed’s father stated the prison would provide ‘horrible’ food to the inmates that even stray animals didn’t eat. During Reed’s time in prison, he lost about 50 pounds.

“He would only drink water, but could only last about four or five days each time because he was already so malnourished,” said Reed’s father.

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Do you think Griner will be able to get back home anytime soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!