Twitter reactions to Brittney Griner’s 32nd birthday and eight months of detention in Russia
WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has celebrated her 32nd birthday in a Russian jail. She has already been detained in the country for eight months.
WNBA star center Brittney Griner has just turned 32, and she celebrated her birthday in a Russian prison instead of at home with her loved ones. She has been detained in the country for eight months, and it looks like Russia has no intention to free her in the immediate future.
Griner released a statement through her lawyers, who met with her to pass on birthday greetings from many well-wishers.
“Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me,” said Griner in the statement.
Supporters launch #WeAreBG campaign
Advocates for the athlete are trying to drum up support to ask for her return to the US via a campaign using #WeAreBG.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist had played for a Russian team, and was detained by airport authorities at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 when she entered the country after they found cannabis oil in her possession.
She said she had not meant to break the law when she brought the cannabis-infused vape cartridges in her luggage.
Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges, and was convicted for narcotics possession and trafficking, a verdict that US President Joe Biden called “unacceptable”.
A number of the Phoenix Mercury standout’s supporters, including fellow athletes, took to Twitter to greet her and ask for her release.
Today, Brittney Griner turns 32.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) October 18, 2022
She will spend her birthday in a Russian prison, where she has been unlawfully detained for 8 months.
Let’s continue to advocate for her release and bring her home.#WeAreBG
Happy 32nd birthday to Brittney Griner. She has spent the last 8 month wrongfully detained in Russia. Free Brittney 🙏 pic.twitter.com/xFHYx4cL2x
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 18, 2022
Happy Birthday Brittney Griner, we will not forget about you and we will not stop fighting for you. The W won’t be the same until you’re home 🧡 #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/J5sO2EkGLL
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 18, 2022
"Brittney Griner's birthday is today. ... We want to continue to let her name be known." @StephenCurry30 took a moment to show support to Griner at the Warriors ring ceremony. pic.twitter.com/TV6LsvZiD2
— ESPN (@espn) October 19, 2022
“I just hope that our fans, Mercury fans and our community just keep praying for her.”
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 19, 2022
Coach Monty Williams on Brittney Griner 🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/Nqiqhzkd57
Today is Brittney Griner’s birthday. Today is also the 243rd day since she was wrongfully detained in Russia.
— WSLAM (@wslam) October 18, 2022
BG, we miss you, we love you and we are with you.
The time to bring her home is NOW. #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/NzcLACttKT
Today is @brittneygriner’s birthday. Her absence is felt every day that she's not here. Brittney, I am grateful for your life. I pray that you do not lose heart, as we are advocating for your release and return home. #WEAREBG #BrittneyGriner pic.twitter.com/Pu9Kym1rSQ
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) October 18, 2022