Brittney Griner has released a statement as she spends her 32nd birthday in a Russian prison cell.
As reported by CNN, Griner’s attorneys, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, spent a few hours with her on her birthday. Before they left, she gave them a statement to share with everyone who has been supporting her.
“Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me,” Griner said in her message, according to the statement.
The eight-time All-Star is currently only allowed to communicate through her lawyers and letters — all of which are carefully examined by Russian officials before they can be sent.
The basketball player’s wife Cherelle Griner and others close to the basketball player have launched the #WeAreBG campaign to put pressure on the US government and other parties to bring her home.
In a video released as part of the campaign Cherelle said, “I’ve felt every moment of the gruelling seven months without her.”
She thanked those who have supported the cause as well as specifically mentioning Joe Biden saying, “I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release.”
The WNBA was also very vocal in its support and celebration of Griner.
“How do you say happy birthday to someone who’s been wrongfully detained for 240+ days? How?” started Atlanta Dream guard Erica Wheeler in a video shared by WNBPA featuring multiple people. “BG, today and all days, we celebrate you.”
The Phoenix Mercury shared multiple posts, including a thread with photos of Griner smiling.
“Happy birthday BG. We wish we were celebrating your day with you here,” read a tweet by the Mercury. “We’re thinking of your beautiful smile, kind heart and infectious personality every day but especially today. We hope you feel our love in spirit and we can’t wait until we get to hug you soon.”
