Free Brittney Griner: What You Should Know About Her Detainment In Russia
It’s been weeks since WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia, allegedly for having vape cartridges that contained hash oil (cannabis oil). But the world only found out recently when Russian media released her alleged mugshot. Brittney, one of the world’s best basketball players who’s been playing for Russia’s UMMC Ekaterinburg team during the WNBA off-season since 2015, faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years, if convicted.
Because WNBA salaries can be as low as $60,000 and max out at $228,000 (as compared to the astronomical millions top NBA players can make), it’s common practice for WNBA players to go abroad in the off-season, where they can make more than $1 million. When Russia invaded Ukraine, WNBA players began evacuating both countries, but Griner was arrested at Moscow’s airport.
So, why is Brittney’s arrest a major concern? With Russia being at war with Ukraine, it’s reasonable to fear people fear that the two-time Olympic medalist’s arrest and imprisonment is a calculated move against the U.S. and a way to use her as a pawn in the war.
Brittney’s high school coach Debbie Jackson doubted the credibility of the charges in an interview with the New York Times: “It’s just hard to believe that Brittney, or any professional athlete that knows the laws of that country and the cultural differences and norms and just the completely different political system, would even think about putting in their carry-on bag something that was a banned substance in that country.”
California U.S. Rep John Garamendi shared that getting Brittney out will be “very difficult.” “Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment,” he told CNN. ”Perhaps during the various negotiations that may take place, she might be able to be one of the solutions.” He also mentioned Russia’s strict anti-LGBTQ laws. As a Black American, queer, 6’8, masc presenting woman, Brittney’s safety and treatment in Russian custody are challenged on multiple fronts.
Fortunately, the Biden administration is reportedly working on a way to get Brittney free and home safely. "The best news we got today was that they know about it and that she's on the agenda," Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, said after Biden met with the Congressional Black Caucus on Monday. "We know about Brittney Griner, and we know that we have to move on her situation."
Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, shared a post dedicated to the 31-year-old while thanking fans for their support during this unfortunate time. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia,” she wrote. “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.”
The Phoenix Mercury star’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas also issued a statement confirming that they are working with the State Department to “get her home,” noting that “her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”
There is a petition on Change.org demanding Brittney’s safe return. So far, 50,000 people have signed it at the time of this writing.
Update: August 4, 2022
Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison and fined 1 million rubles (USD $16,600) after pleading guilty to smuggling drugs in the country. However, the WNBA star’s lawyers shared in a statement that they plan to file an appeal calling the sentencing “unreasonable.” Many others have shared a statement about Griner’s sentencing such as President Joe Biden.
"Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," he said. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible."
Since Griner’s detainment, President Biden has been working with the Russian government for her release. He reportedly has been negotiating her release along with another American prisoner named Paul Whelan in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout who is currently serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S.
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Originally published on March 10, 202
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Exclusive: Koryn Hawthorne On Her Miraculous Love Story: ‘I Was Never A Girlfriend’
Gospel singer Koryn Hawthorne has used her voice to let the world know about what God can do, and now the Season 8 finalist of NBC’s The Voice is sharing a miraculous act that led to her engagement.
The Praise This actress shared in an interview with xoNecole that prior to becoming engaged to her partner, Hunter Register, she passed over one particular title on her way to becoming a fiancée.
“I was never a girlfriend,” Hawthorn, 26, tells xoNecole.
“We've known each other since we were kids, so we just kind of always had this distant friendship. We would hit each other up on social media, and [I] slide up under things that he was posting,” she says. “We ended up hanging out together, and when we hung out, it was an instant immediate connection from all fronts. I think we just knew from the first day that I don't want to spend a day apart from you.”
Koryn Hawthorne On Her Miraculous Love Story, New Album, & More
She continued, "And yeah, we probably were boyfriend or girlfriend after — am I delusional? Then we were engaged a few months later.”
The Grammy-nominated singer, who became engaged in November of 2023, went on to share what her experience has been preparing to become a wife, exploring the personal growth, challenges, and emotions experienced throughout the process.
“It's a journey, I'm not gonna lie,” she says. “Relationships, in general, are hard, and whenever you think about marriage, is just different from being boyfriend and girlfriend because if you piss me off, I could just go,” she shared. “But marriage is an actual commitment. It's a partnership. It's a ministry.”
Hawthorne, 26, and Register, 27, were childhood friends growing up in Louisiana and sealed their love during a weekend getaway in New Orleans last fall.
For the gospel star, marriage involves more than lovely-dovey aspects, emphasizing how her relationship has allowed her to grow, mature, and learn valuable lessons through love.
“We were supposed to get married in May, but like for us to be mature enough to be like, ‘You know what? No, let's take the necessary time to make sure that we're fully prepared for this commitment such a beautiful thing,” Hawthorne reflected.
“It's a learning curve for sure, but our preparation for marriage would have been the only thing that brought this out of me. It's hard and it's scary at times, but it's God's purpose and His plan for our lives.”
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Featured image by Dia DipasupilGetty Images
