Big names across the sports world and beyond share reactions to Brittney Griner's 9-year prison sentence
Brittney Griner was found guilty of drug smuggling and sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison.
The WNBA star was arrested in February after Moscow airport officials found cannabis in her luggage.
From top athletes to musicians and politicians, here's how the world has reacted to Griner's sentence.
Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison over drug-smuggling charges for carrying vape cartridges in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
The WNBA superstar's trial came to a close Thursday, with the judge handing down a guilty verdict along with her heavy sentence. Griner has been detained in Russian jail since February, when she was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport after customs agents discovered vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in her luggage.
Over the month of July, Griner and her legal team have appealed for leniency after she admitted wrongdoing and pleaded guilty to the charges against her. Though the defense made the case that Griner inadvertently brought the drugs in her luggage and that she had been prescribed medical marijuana back in the US, the two-time Olympic gold medalist received a near-maximum sentence and now faces the prospect of spending almost a decade at a Russian penal colony.
The jarring outcome evoked reactions from across the sports ecosystem and beyond. From basketball and football stars to politicians and musicians, here's how the world responded to Griner's plight:
President Joe Biden was quick to issue a statement slamming the Russian judge's ruling, calling on Russia to "release her immediately."
—ESPN (@espn) August 4, 2022
President Biden calls on Russia to release Brittney Griner immediately after the WNBA star was sentenced to 9 years in prison
And Vice President Kamala Harris offered a note emphasizing that the administration is "working every day to reunite Brittney, as well as Paul Whelan, with loved ones."
—Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) August 4, 2022
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Griner's verdict and sentencing "spotlights our concerns with the Russian government's use of wrongful detentions."
—Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 4, 2022
While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she "will continue to support the Administration" as it fights to bring Griner and other wrongfully detained Americans back home.
—Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) August 4, 2022
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen called the decision "a miscarriage of justice."
—Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) August 4, 2022
And Senator Ted Cruz, from Griner's native Texas, said he was "disappointed and deeply concerned" by the outcome of Thursday's hearing.
—Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) August 4, 2022
Her Phoenix Mercury teammate, star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, tweeted that the verdict and sentencing were "Bullshit!"
—Skylar Diggins-Smith (@SkyDigg4) August 4, 2022
While Mercury forward Brianna Turner took the moment to share "how much light [Griner] brought to everyone around her."
—Brianna Turner (@_Breezy_Briii) August 4, 2022
Phoenix guard Kia Nurse said "we love you and miss you BG."
—Kia Nurse (@KayNurse11) August 4, 2022
And while watching Griner's final court appearance, Mercury wing Diamond DeShields said seeing her teammate "behind these bars is breaking my heart."
—Diamond DeShields (@diamonddoesit1) August 4, 2022
2020 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson kept her message simple and effective:
—A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) August 4, 2022
Chicago Sky star Kahleah Copper said the same:
—Kahleah Copper (@kahleahcopper) August 4, 2022
Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving asked the White House for an update on "our Queen."
—A11Even (@KyrieIrving) August 4, 2022
While Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum offered some prayers.
—Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) August 4, 2022
NBA journeyman Isaiah Thomas did, too:
—Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 4, 2022
Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo was astounded by the length of Griner's sentence.
—13am Adebayo💥 (@Bam1of1) August 4, 2022
As was Celtics forward Grant Williams.
—Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) August 4, 2022
And Denver Nuggets point guard Bones Hyland.
—Bones Hyland (@BizzyBones11) August 4, 2022
Budding NBA superstar Ja Morant shared a simple message that got straight to the point:
—Ja Morant (@JaMorant) August 4, 2022
And his Memphis Grizzlies teammate, Jaren Jackson Jr., repeated it a few times for good measure:
—JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) August 4, 2022
2022 NBA draftee Jaden Ivey, whose mother played in the WNBA, offered support for the league's superstar:
—Jaden Ivey (@IveyJaden) August 4, 2022
As did Orlando Magic guard RJ Hampton:
—RJ (@RjHampton14) August 4, 2022
NBA star-turned-ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said Griner's situation "ain't right."
—Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) August 4, 2022
And his ESPN colleague, Mina Kimes, called Griner's predicament — as well as some as the hateful comments surrounding her struggle — "heartbreaking all around."
—Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 4, 2022
Turner Sports' Taylor Rooks said she's praying "that these negotiations happen quickly" to secure Griner's return.
—Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) August 4, 2022
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III chimed in, too:
—Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 4, 2022
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark said "I feel for BG" and that he "can't imagine what she's been through."
—Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 4, 2022
Rapper Meek Mill offered a "Free BG" and lobbied his followers to "fight for her!!!!!!!"