Initial support for Brittney Griner was mostly nonexistent, with US authorities and reps not offering much more than to say they were working to bring her home.
Searches and analysis across media platforms show that from February until about April, mentions of her detainment conditions were minimal.
In May, the State Department finally declared that Russia “wrongfully detained” Brittney Griner, and that escalated the situation.
On July 1, more than 130 days after her detainment, Griner’s trial in Russian court officially began.
On July 7th, she pled guilty to drug charges with hopes that would aid in leniency in sentencing.
Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Despite her apology and plea of innocence, the Judge sentenced Griner to nine years in prison, six months less than the nine and a half years suggested by prosecutors.
Now there seems to be an increase in outcries for justice for Brittney since the sentencing.
The commissioners from both the WNBA and the NBA released a joint statement, calling the verdict and sentencing “unjustified and unfortunate.”
The Phoenix Mercury tweeted a statement of support, and President Joe Biden said, “American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney.”
However, some would argue the recent outrage is too little too late.
Tamryn Spruill, a sports journalist who is writing a book on the WNBA, commented on the unfortunate reality. “If this was an NBA player of her caliber… this would be on the cover of not only every sports page but every news media page in the world.”
The Mercury and the WNBPA both issued their support in early March, and the WNBA named her an honorary All-Star in June. But outside of the sporadic social media posts from other professional athletes to #FREEBG, the show of support was still not as strong as it should have been.
The Bigger Concern Not Shown
The lack of concern, attention, and media coverage surrounding Griner’s confinement and treatment demonstrates a bigger issue within the realm of sports. The gender disparities and inequities in sports are frequently reported.
But in basketball, they are much more significant.
Continue reading over at First and Pen.
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