ABOVE: Brittney Griner and Cherelle Griner, photo via Instagram.
The wife of Brittney Griner whose detainment by Russian authorities on drug charges was made public last weekend issued a statement on Instagram.
Cherelle Griner thanked supporters and asked that their privacy be respected as the work continues to bring the Phoenix Mercury basketball star home.
Griner wrote:
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!
Russian officials detained out Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner at an airport outside Moscow last month and have been holding her in custody.
Although they do not identify her by name, officials say inspectors found vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport. The New York Times reported the Russian news agency TASS cited a law enforcement source in naming Griner. The 6’9” Griner, who like many pro WNBA stars plays overseas in the off-season, is unmistakable in video released by Russian customs officials.
If she is convicted in a Russian court she faces 10 years in prison.
