WNBA star Brittney Griner’s wife thanks fans for their support, asks for privacy after player’s arrest

The spouse of WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was arrested in Russia final month, thanked everybody for his or her help of the Phoenix Mercury heart whereas she offers with obvious authorized troubles.

Cherelle Griner posted an image Sunday of her with the basketball star and wrote a message to followers awaiting extra particulars concerning the WNBA participant’s incident.

“Thanks to everybody who has reached out to me relating to my spouse’s protected return from Russia. Your prayers and help are drastically appreciated,” Cherelle Griner wrote on Instagram. “I like my spouse wholeheartedly, so this message comes throughout one of many weakest moments of my life. I perceive that lots of you’ve gotten grown to like BG over time and have considerations and need particulars. Please honor our privateness as we proceed to work on getting my spouse house safely.

“Thanks!”

Griner was arrested final month at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities stated a search of her baggage revealed vape cartridges.

Russian Customs Service stated Saturday the cartridges had been recognized as containing oil derived from hashish, which might carry a most penalty of 19 years in jail.

Brittney Griner of UMMC Ekaterinburg and Satou Sabally of Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo in the course of the Euroleague Ladies Ultimate 4 match between Fenerbahce Oznur Kablo and UMMC Ekaterinburg at Volkswagen Enviornment on April 16, 2021, in Istanbul, Turkey.
(BSR Company/Getty Photos)

AMERICAN BASKETBALL STAR BRITTNEY GRINER DETAINED IN RUSSIA ON DRUG CHARGES, FACES UP TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON

“We’re conscious of the scenario with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in shut contact together with her, her authorized illustration in Russia, her household, her groups, and the WNBA and NBA,” Griner’s agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas stated Saturday. “As that is an ongoing authorized matter, we aren’t in a position to remark additional on the specifics of her case however can verify that as we work to get her house, her psychological and bodily well being stay our main concern.”

The WNBA additionally expressed its help for one in every of its prime stars.

“Brittney Griner has the WNBA’s full help and our essential precedence is her swift and protected return to the US,” the league stated.

Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury seems to be on in the course of the recreation in opposition to the Chicago Sky throughout Recreation One of many 2021 WNBA Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, at Footprint in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Michael Gonzales/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)

Whereas Griner has spent her summers taking part in for the Mercury since she left Baylor, she’s spent her final seven winters in Russia the place she earns greater than $1 million per season. The determine is greater than quadruple her WNBA wage.

She final performed for her Russian crew, UMMC Ekaterinburg, on Jan. 29 earlier than the league took a two-week break in early February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.

The Related Press contributed to this report.