'Don't Be Quiet': Brittney Griner's Wife Seeks Action for Ex-Baylor Star's Release

"My heart was breaking hearing it because I, I pray to God, you know, three years does not pass by and BG is still wrongfully detained in Russia," she said.

Author:
Zach Dimmitt
Publish date:
Jul 3, 2022 3:42 PM EDT

Former Baylor Bears basketball star Brittney Griner was arrested 136 days ago in Russia for alleged possession of illegal substances. And in a process that has seemingly seen no progress as Griner's first court date came and went on Friday, her wife, Cherelle Griner, told CNN that the "rhetoric isn't matching the action."

"It's really, really difficult," she said. "This is not a situation where the rhetoric is matching the action," she said. "I do have to unfortunately push people to make sure that the things they're telling me is also matching their actions and so it's been the hardest thing to balance because I can't let up. It's over 130 days and BG's still not back."

Brittney, 31, was arrested on Feb. 17 at a Moscow airport for allegedly possessing cannabis oil, an offense that can net up to 10 years in a Russian federal prison.

The Phoenix Mercury star center was training in the country during the WNBA's offseason and was set to make her way back to the states. But her wife has learned in conversation with families of other people who have been detained in the country that staying passive about the situation is the last thing to do. She said some of these families have loved ones that have been trapped in the country for over three years.

"And the first thing they said was, you know, 'Do not be quiet about this. Do not let them forget about your loved one,'" she said. "My heart was breaking hearing it because I, I pray to God, you know, three years does not pass by and BG is still wrongfully detained in Russia,"

To make matters worse, Cherelle says her wife, who is a towering 6-9, is put into a "very, very, very tiny cage" when she is moved during transportation on court days.

Brittney's second court date is scheduled for Thursday, July 7. In a case that currently has no end in sight, the couple will continue to play the waiting game in hopes that a homecoming comes soon for the former Bear.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Baylor Bears? Click Here

Follow Inside the Bears on Twitter

Follow Inside the Bears on Facebook