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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke with reporters on Monday prior to the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Among the topics of conversation was the ongoing situation with Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner, who is currently being detained in Russia.
Engelbert commented on the “unimaginable” situation and assured everyone that the league is working “every angle” to get her home.
“I know we’re all frustrated, but we do need to be patient,” Engelbert said, via TMZ Sports. “The players have been amazing at following the advice they’re getting and we’re getting in order not to jeopardize her safety in any way.
WNBA Commish Cathy Engelbert says the league is still working at bringing Brittney Griner home. pic.twitter.com/Uj5k75OCqA
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“This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in. She continues to have our full support. Certainly, we’re trying everything we can, every angle, working with her legal representation, her agent, elected leaders, the administration. Just everybody in our ecosystem to try and find ways to get her home safely and as quickly as we can.”
Griner has been detained since February after Russian officials claim cannabis oil was found in her luggage at an airport near Moscow.
As a result, Russian officials launched a drug trafficking investigation into the 31-year-old Phoenix Mercury star.
If convicted, Griner could face 10 years in prison in Russia.
For the last seven years, Griner has played for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. She last played on January 29 before a two-week break for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
The United States has issued a “do not travel” advisory for United States citizens considering Russian travel amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
