Brittney Griner detained in Russia as Mercury opens season
PHOENIX –
The Phoenix Mercury opened the season at house Friday night time in opposition to the Las Vegas Aces. One participant not there was prominently on everybody’s minds: Brittney Griner.
Because the Mercury and the remainder of the WNBA moved ahead into the season, Griner nears the three-month mark of her detention in Russia, with no timetable for her launch.
“It is horrible what occurred to her, understanding in addition to us followers have gotten to know right here,” stated MJ Hill, a Mercury season-ticket holder for the reason that WNBA’s first season in 1997. “She’s a sort and mild individual, and it is horrible to consider the place she is and what she’s going to.”
Griner was detained Feb. 17 after authorities on the Moscow airport stated they discovered vape cartridges that allegedly contained oil derived from hashish in her baggage, which might carry a most penalty of 10 years in jail. The Biden administration decided Griner is being wrongfully detained and he or she has a listening to set for Could 19.
“There may be not a day that goes by that I am not engaged on this indirectly, speaking with a wide range of people on the U.S. authorities, her agent, household, others who’re specialists on this space who may also help us navigate a really advanced and fairly frankly, like I stated at our draft, unimaginable scenario,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated in Seattle.
The WNBA is acknowledging Griner with a flooring decal with “BG” and her No. 42 in all 12 arenas throughout the league as she continues to be detained.
Washington positioned its decal on the blue sideline between the benches on the Mystics’ area within the nation’s capital, positioned subsequent to a “Black Lives Matter” decal. Some Indiana Fever substitutes would sit on the bottom close to the “BG42” whereas ready for a break within the motion so they might enter the sport.
“All of us have concern for the scenario, one thing that usually could be dealt with lots faster,” Washington coach Mike Thibault stated. ”(It) actually hasn’t been and I believe everyone sees what’s taking place. She’s in everyone’s ideas.”
Mercury gamers wore black t-shirts with “We Are BG” in white letters throughout warmups and introductions. Guard Sophie Cunningham addressed the group earlier than the sport in opposition to Las Vegas.
“We’re nonetheless hopeful she’ll be again with us quickly, however till then we’ll be kicking butt and profitable video games,” she stated.
A 6-foot-9 heart, Griner and WNBA profession scoring chief Diana Taurasi have been the important thing cogs for a Mercury franchise that received the 2014 WNBA title and reached the ultimate final season, dropping to the Chicago Sky.
Griner is a six-time All-Star, received consecutive WNBA Defensive Participant of the Yr awards in 2014-15 and is probably the most prolific dunker in WNBA historical past. A two-time gold medalist, she had the most effective seasons of her nine-year WNBA profession in 2021, main the WNBA in blocked photographs whereas ending second in scoring and sixth in rebounding.
Griner once more was anticipated to play a key position for the Mercury this season after the workforce bolstered its roster with the additions of Tina Charles and Diamond DeShields.
“BG is on my thoughts daily,” Seattle Storm ahead Breanna Stewart stated. “You could have these moments the place you simply cannot consider that she’s nonetheless in Russia wrongfully detained. Hoping we get her house. The WNBA is not the WNBA with out BG.”
