Phoenix Mercury push for Brittney Griner's release as Russian court date is set for July 1

After 130 days detained in Russia, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has a court date set for July 1.

Griner was arrested in Moscow in February and has been detained ever since. If she is found guilty of large-scale transportation of drugs by the Russian courts, she could face up to 10 years in prison.

On Monday, Griner’s detention also was extended by six months.

“It’s been a really rough season so far in multiple ways, but that one’s probably really heavy on all of our hearts,” Sophie Cunningham said following the Mercury’s 83-71 victory over the Indiana Fever on Monday night. “But hopefully, you know, this means that she gets her trial on Friday, and that’s good news. I think that POTUS and the White House still need to step up and do something, because 130 days is way too long for someone who’s been wrongfully imprisoned.”

The Suns, including head coach Monty Williams, are also pushing for Griner’s return. They released a video on June 23, saying “it is time for BG to come home.”

The Associated Press obtained photos of Griner on Monday that showed her appearing in court in handcuffs. Although Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard was relieved to see Griner, even just in photos, she also said it is difficult to see Griner in that situation.

The Mercury are frequently updated on Griner’s status and met with the state department in Washington D.C. on June 23 when they were in town to play the Washington Mystics.

“We get news all the time,” head coach Vanessa Nygaard said. “It was good to see her in some of those images, but it’s tough. Every time, we’re reminded of a teammate, a friend, wrongly imprisoned in another country.

“Hopefully, with this trial happening quickly, that some things will change and that President Biden will take the steps to ensure that she comes home,” Nygaard added. “When he decides that she’s going to come home, she’ll come home. So, we want to urge him to do his part and bring Brittney home.”

With a video, the Mercury honored Griner as an eight-time all-star at the Footprint Center on Monday night. Although Griner has not played this season, she is an honorary all-star and starter.

Fans also held up signs stating 'Free #42' and '130 days too long, free BG.'

Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner’s wife, was in attendance at the Mercury’s game on Monday night. The pair have not talked for the entirety of Griner’s detention in Russia.

Cherelle and Brittney had a scheduled call on their four-year anniversary on June 19, but a scheduling issue at the U.S. embassy left the phone line unstaffed. The Biden administration says they are working on rescheduling a call between Cherelle and Brittney.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury push for Brittney Griner's release as court date is set for July 1