Steph Curry wears Brittney Griner Mercury jersey and calls for her release during ESPYs

On a night when some of the greatest athletes, coaches and teams were recognized at the 2022 ESPY Awards, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors made his plea for Brittney Griner's release from a Russian prison.

Curry took the stage next to Skyler Diggins-Smith, Griner's Mercury teammate, and Nneka Ogwumike of the L.A. Sparks. Curry called attention to the Mercury jersey under his jacket.

"We also need to acknowledge one who isn't here," Curry said on the ESPN broadcast. "Her name is right here on this jersey."

Ogwemike added to the moment by highlighting pieces of Griner's resume, including her Olympic gold medals and WNBA championship.

"(She is) an athlete who has fans all over the world, a human being whose predicament commands our attention," Ogwemike said.

While the trio was on stage, photos of Griner were shown behind them.

Diggins-Smith added that Griner has been wrongfully detained for 153 nights.

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The segment, in which the trio urged the global sports community to continue pushing for Griner's release, wasn't the only time the Mercury player was mentioned.

Megan Rapinoe, of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, also took time when she was on stage.

"BG deserves to be free," Rapinoe said. "She is being held as a political prisoner, obviously."

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Steph Curry, Megan Rapinoe call for Griner's release during ESPY Awards