Brittney Griner appeal reaction: Russia's judicial proceeding slammed as a 'sham'
Brittney Griner's appeal on Tuesday of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession was rejected by a Russian court, bringing out a lot of strong reactions on social media and in statements from the White House and other organizations.
Griner, 32, an eight-time All-Star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was convicted on Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
On Tuesday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan denounced the hearing as “another sham judicial proceeding."
In a statement, he said that President Joe Biden “is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home.”
Related: Russian court rejects Brittney Griner's appeal against 9-year sentence
JUST IN:
Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Continued Wrongful Detention of Brittney Griner#RussiaIsATerroristState pic.twitter.com/5ZMrU0qGd4— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) October 25, 2022
The WNBA Players Association also issued a statement, saying that "the courage and integrity Brittney Griner has displayed throughout her wrongful detainment should motivate every American to join our campaign to bring her home to her family without any further delay."
The organization called for unity in helping see Griner return to the United States and said that "no athlete should be used as a political pawn."
More: Brittney Griner's wife says Phoenix Mercury star is at ‘weakest moment’ in Russia
WNBPA Statement Regarding Brittney Griner's Appeal and a Call to Action.#WeAreBG#BringBGHome pic.twitter.com/lpUyYtfyxC
— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) October 25, 2022
Reaction to Griner's failed appeal and support for the Mercury star flooded in on social media:
250 days too long #WeAreBG https://t.co/xeS2wjdzMf
— Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) October 25, 2022
It has been 250 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) October 25, 2022
We’re frustrated.
Angry.
Disappointed.
Sad.
Words don’t do it justice. We’re hurting for Brittney Griner.
We love you and think about you every day.— WNBA Nation (@WNBANationPod) October 25, 2022
Thinking about Brittney Griner this morning. Just read the news of her appeal being denied. I’m hoping and praying something miraculously happens. #FREEBG ❤️😕
— Women’s Hoopz (@WBBWorldWide) October 25, 2022
It's shameful that Brittney Griner became a political pawn. The punishment grossly exceeds the crime, which let's you know it's never been about what she actually did https://t.co/kctZCgeD86
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) October 25, 2022
We cannot forget about Brittney Griner.
We cannot forget about Brittney Griner.
We cannot forget about Brittney Griner.— Joe Madison (@MadisonSiriusXM) October 21, 2022
The Brittney Griner situation is a complete nightmare. With a denied appeal, she'll be moved to a Russian penal colonial and the possibility of her getting out anytime soon is bleak. Imagine.
If you can't feel some kind of empathy for her or her family, I just —
my heart hurts— Lyndsey D'Arcangelo (@darcangel21) October 25, 2022
Brittney Griner’s appeal was denied. I can only imagine how scared and/or hopeless she must feel. I don’t presume to know what it will take to secure her freedom but I hope this administration intensifies their efforts to bring BG home. She cannot be forgotten.
— roxane gay (@rgay) October 25, 2022
Heartsick for Brittney Griner and her family. I can't imagine what she's going through. We need to get her home.
— Kate Starbird (@katestarbird) October 25, 2022
Let’s continue to fight for Brittney Griner. Today’s news is awful. We must continue to speak her name. She deserves to be home.
— Kristin Robinson (@kjoyrobinson) October 25, 2022
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
More: Criticism of Brittney Griner's national anthem stance renewed after Russia drug sentencing
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brittney Griner reaction: Russia appeal proceeding slammed as a 'sham'
