The Phoenix Mercury have launched the next assertion following the information of Brittney Griner’s detention by Russian authorities.
“We’re conscious of and are intently monitoring the state of affairs with Brittney Griner in Russia. We stay in fixed contact together with her household, her illustration, the WNBA and NBA. We love and assist Brittney and presently our most important concern is her security, bodily and psychological well being, and her secure return residence.”
My thoughts is spinning considering of all of the potential implications of this information. However after all, and because the Mercury have careworn, our first ideas are for BG and her security and welfare. We’re desirous about her household, associates and teammates as they’re coping with the realities of this scary state of affairs.
This might be a critical incident at any time however within the context of the present world disaster precipitated by Russia’s unprovoked and on-going invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing world sanctions there may be, sadly, potential for Griner for use by as leverage by the Russians. It’s laborious to think about them not utilizing the state of affairs in some type and whereas I’m speculating right here, the potential benefits for the Kremlin make me marvel if the arrest wasn’t one way or the other manufactured. There’s nothing in latest Russian historical past together with the homicide of political opponents to the crackdown on free press that provides them the advantage of the doubt.
We now wait and fear for what comes subsequent.
