U.S. Secretary of State considers Russia’s detainment of Brittney Griner

After the revelation of the detention of seven-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner by Russia on the allegations of drug charges, the U.S. Secretary of State came on the action and issued a statement.
According to the news, after the Mercury Phoenix player’s arrest, it was asked to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken how the Biden administration would help her.

Antony Blinken released a statement on Sunday regarding Griner’s detention. He said that “Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we, of course, stand ready to provide every possible assistance, and that includes in Russia.”

Reportedly, after the Russian authorities confirmed the drugs that were being carried by the player, Mercury Phoenix player Griner was detained in Russia last month. Russian Customs Service allegedly found vape cartridges containing hashish oil at Sheremetyevo Airport in Mosco. The transportation of drugs carried by the renowned player could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

However, there are no updates available about WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s well-being and whereabouts since her detention in Russia.

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Griner’s detainment concerns have also been raised, and in this regard, a former top Pentagon official issued a statement and said that Russia might view Mercury Phoenix player Griner as a “high-profile hostage” and the invader country Russia could serve the player as a valuable bargaining chip. Pentagon officials further added that if it would happen, then freeing Griner might become more challenging.

An associate professor at Melbourne Law School, William Partlett, also gave his statement regarding the detention of a U.S. basketball star and revealed that the decreasing trust between the U.S. and Russia could increase the possibility that Russia might demand more than the U.S.

Besides that, an expert on Russian politics, Partlett, also added that “Maybe the U.S. has someone in custody who they could exchange? But the sanctions and aid to Ukraine will not be lessened to get her out.”