How Megan Rapinoe honored Brittney Griner at the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

KiMi Robinson, Arizona Republic
·1 min read
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President Joe Biden awards the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to Megan Rapinoe at the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 7, 2022.
President Joe Biden awards the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to Megan Rapinoe at the White House in Washington, Thursday, July 7, 2022.
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Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe honored Brittney Griner while receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom hours after the Phoenix Mercury player reportedly pleaded guilty to drug possession and smuggling charges in Russia.

Though Rapinoe's nod to Griner during the ceremony was subtle, with "BG" among other initials stitched on her suit with a thread that matched the ivory fabric, her words were more pointed on social media.

"BG is being used as a political pawn and we need to bring her (home) immediately," Rapinoe wrote in an Instagram Story posted on July 7. "This plea doesn't change that @potus needs to and is working hard to get her home. From what I understand she had to plea to keep the process of getting her home asap in motion."

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'BG we are with you'

Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe posted a close-up of Brittney Griner's initials stitched on the suit she wore to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.
Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe posted a close-up of Brittney Griner's initials stitched on the suit she wore to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.

"BG we are with you," Rapinoe added.

In her next Story, Rapinoe posted a close-up shot of the stitching on the lapel of her suit jacket: a long-stemmed flower with "BG."

"The most important part of today," she wrote in text overlaid on the photo. "BG we love you."

What you need to know: Brittney Griner pleads guilty in Russian trial

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, is on trial in Russia. More than four months have passed since she was arrested in February after authorities said vape canisters with cannabis oil were discovered in her luggage. Earlier in July, President Biden spoke with Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner's wife, over the phone.

"He is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible," the White House said in a statement.

Reach Entertainment Reporter KiMi Robinson at kimi.robinson@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Brittney Griner honored by Megan Rapinoe: 'BG we love you'