Brittney Griner is arguably one of the biggest athletes in WNBA history. One of the best in the business, her life took an unfortunate turn in February. After getting detained in Russia and sentenced to nine years in prison, the eight-time All-Star is yet to get back home. However, the fight to bring her back has never faded away.
Notably, the WNBA showed immense support to their star player. All 12 courts held Griner’s initials and number on the sidelines to help spread awareness. In addition, players have become her voice as well. Constantly speaking about her and looking to see her back soon, they haven’t left any stone unturned.
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Recently, two-time All-Star Stefanie Dolson discussed the efforts of the league in spreading the message of justice for Griner. However, she also admitted to being helpless in the situation.
The truth behind WNBA’s massive support for Brittney Griner
As one of their own, the WNBA has gone out of its way to help spread awareness about its star player. League commissioner, Cathy Engelbert has been openly vocal about their efforts and grind to bring back the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. While Dolson agreed to do all they can, a harsh reality also set in. The New York Liberty center said none of the players can make a different impact on helping Brittney Griner. But they won’t settle till she is back home.
She said: “For us, it’s just doing our part. Like it’s really small, our part. But it means so much to her and so much to her family. And I think the country in general just to see the support that she has with us. And it’s just getting the word out. I mean, we are not lawyers, we are not politicians so we can’t do much other than take stands, post in on social media every day, make sure everyone’s talking about it, signing the petition.”?
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On Hoops Passport: New York, two-time All-Star @bigmamastef spoke to @LethalShooter__and @Cpav15 about the @WNBA's efforts to bring Brittney Griner home: https://t.co/Ckeb2Gr8yl pic.twitter.com/eg1Y6whCTU
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 7, 2022
President Joe Biden gave a strong statement when Russia announced a nine-year sentence for Brittney Griner, and the US government devised a strategy to try and bring her back home. Furthermore, the support in the country to bring back the WNBA star has been immense. Not just her league, but many basketball icons have come out to join hands in the fight. Superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have used their influential public platform to spread the message for Griner’s freedom and safe return.
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The WNBA, its players, and several stars from the NBA will likely continue to show their support and demand that Brittney Griner is released and returned home safely.