Alanna Gillis 

Opinions editor 

Amg7393@psu.edu

Brittney Griner, has been detained in Russia due to supposed drug charges. Russian authorities detained her earlier this month, citing cannabis oil in the athlete’s luggage to be the cause. Griner plays for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg, and has been with this team since 2015. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, as well as seven-time All Star. 

The oil was allegedly found in Griner’s luggage in Moscow’s airport. Russian authorities accused her of attempting to smuggle a significant amount of the narcotic substance. In Russia, this type of drug charge could mean 10 years in prison. 

According to Russian news agency TASS, authorities have extended her detainment until May 19. The investigation is still ongoing and no trial date has been set. 

U.S. consul has not visited Griner despite Russian authorities’ willingness to “create all conditions” for the visit. According to an official at the U.S. State Department, Griner must be allowed consular access. “We have repeatedly asked for consular access to these detainees and have consistently been denied access,” the official said. “Russia must abide by its legal obligations and allow us to provide consular services for U.S. citizens detained in Russia.”

“There’s only so much I can say given the privacy considerations at this point. Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance, and that includes in Russia,” Secretary of State Blinken said. “We have an embassy team that’s working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia. We’re doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected.”

There has been an outpouring of support for Griner on social media from WNBA players as well as other athletes. Many have voiced their concerns for Griner’s physical well-being as well as her mental health. 

Griner’s location also remains a mystery. Those close to her are frustrated by the lack of information and transparency surrounding her arrest and detainment. Her wife, Cherelle, described what she’s feeling in a post made to Instagram, “There are no words to express this pain. I’m hurting, we’re hurting.” 

Due to the current diplomatic relationships with Russia, some U.S. representatives fear that Griner’s release may be a very difficult process. “Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment,” Rep. John Garamendi, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said.

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Griner’s hometown of Houston, said she spoke of Griner during the meeting and noted there is a “need for her to be immediately released and for her to receive the help of the United States to demand and facilitate that release.”

In positive news, it has been reported that Griner’s Russian legal team has met with her multiple times and that she is reportedly doing well. The Biden Administration is currently working toward her release.