The 2022 ESPYS did its due diligence Wednesday night (July 20) by shining a light on WNBA star Britney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February of this year due to illegal cannabis possession.
Host Stephen Curry announced that the WNBA was named the Humanitarian League of the Year for their efforts in fighting inequality, and welcomed stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith to accept the award while also acknowledging Griner’s absence.
Curry stated, “We cannot stop believing for her. And we will not stop hoping for the day when we can welcome her home safely.”
Griner was returning to Russia for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments when she was arrested at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. The WNBA player is currently on trial for allegedly having vape cartridges containing hash oil in her luggage founded by Russian Authorities. Vape cartridges count as illegal substances in Russia, and she has pleaded guilty to the drug charges, facing up to 10 years in prison.
Salaries are a primary reason for WNBA players going to Russia to play during their off-season in the states, with top players earning more than 1 million, which is quadruple the base salary in the US.
The Biden Administration has labeled Griner as wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation in May, and according to AP News, the state department has stated that “The U.S. government will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner.”
Griner is a 31-year-old, Olympic gold medalist and a seven-time All-Star for the Phoenix Mercury and has been playing in Russia since 2014.
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