Pleading directly to President Joe Biden, the WNBPA tweeted, “Please use all available resources to get Brittney Griner home. We need something to rally around and build upon.” The statement came on Saturday, the 100th day of Griner’s detainment in Russia.
The WNBPA also encouraged everyone to visit WeAreBG.org for more information on steps to take action.
#WeAreBG 🧵6/6 pic.twitter.com/szedcn6j1j
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) May 28, 2022
Griner was taken into custody at a Moscow area airport in February for alleged possession of hashish oil. The U.S. State Department designated the WNBA player as wrongfully detained in May.
In an interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts on Wednesday, Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, called on President Biden to act.
“I just keep hearing that he has the power,” Griner said. “She’s a political pawn. So if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.”
The WNBPA is now creating a call to action, asking the public to call the White House and representatives, sign and share the Change.org petition, use #WeAreBG on social media and engage in productive conversations about pay equity.
“Cherelle NEEDS to meet with President Biden,” the WNBPA statement reads. “Her person, our sister, has been wrongfully detained for 100 days.”
Following the Los Angeles Sparks’ Friday game against Indiana, Nneka Ogwumike used the postgame press conference to advocate for Griner’s release, once again calling on President Biden.
Brittney Griner has now been detained in Russia for 100 days. Last night in Indiana, the @LASparks’ @nnekaogwumike and @33katielou implored people to advocate for her release — and shared some ways to do that. #WeAreBG.
— Mirjam Swanson (@MirjamSwanson) May 28, 2022
Story to come, but have a listen: pic.twitter.com/D42yS2d6bO
“Call the White House, call your representatives,” said Ogwumike. “Let’s show the world the power of our collective voices and get BG home.”