WNBA star Brittney Griner among Americans being held on 'false charges' in Russia, congresswoman says

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, said Tuesday she and her constituents are demanding Russia release WNBA star Brittney Griner after she was arrested in the country last month.

Griner’s arrest was first reported over the weekend by The New York Times. She was arrested at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed she had vape cartridges, which were said to contain oil derived from cannabis. Griner could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Lee has since been firm in her demands for Griner’s release.

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Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury shoots a free throw against the Las Vegas Aces during Game Five of the 2021 WNBA Semifinals on Oct. 8, 2021, at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)

"You wonder, what is the evil purpose of Putin's government to have her at this time," she said. 

Lee suggested Griner was among Americans being held on "false charges" in Russia.

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"… Here's the point for all of those being held in Russia, all of those Americans being held in Russia on false charges, they should be released now," Lee said, vowing not to put anyone in more danger.

Cherelle Griner, the Phoenix Mercury center’s wife, expressed in an Instagram post on Monday how much she missed her.

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Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury kisses her wife, Cherelle Griner, in the stands after the Mercury defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-84 in Game Five of the 2021 WNBA Playoffs semifinals to win