Phoenix — They laughed, smiled, and shared their memories. There were tears, fear, and anxiety.
Through different emotions, one common thread united them: Brittney Griner.
Hundreds of fans gathered on Wednesday at a public rally in support of Greener, wearing a "BG" shirt and holding a sign, and their emotions became a WNBA player in a Russian cell 6,000 miles away. I was hoping to get it.
"It's really painful and hard to see, and it's really a sacrifice to many of us," said Kelly Gedney of Arizona Surprise. "We can feel the fear she has. It's scary to me that she's in a cage when she goes to proceedings. She's been torted and we Will do everything he can to take her home. "
Grinner has spent the past four months in a Russian prison and is currently in trial. She faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted, and when she arrived at Moscow Airport when she returned to play for the Russian team, she had an arc cartridge containing hemp oil. He was accused of possessing it.
WNBA and US officials tried to free Greener, but with no success. Greener was able to send a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden. She said she was afraid of her life imprisonment while urging the administration to remember other American detainees.
President Biden called Grinner's wifeon Wednesday, telling her that he was working to release her as soon as possible.
"My 139 days have passed since then. My wife was able to talk to me, our family, and our friends, "Cherelle Griner said during the rally and stopped forming herself several times. "I'm frustrated that my wife can't get justice. I know you're frustrated. That's why you're here."
Phoenix Mercury and Sands The rally at the Footprint Center, home to the Phoenix, celebrated Greener's achievements both inside and outside the courtroom by calling for action.
At the rally, Greener gave back to the community, dancers and read dramatic poems while many of Mercury's teammates were sitting together in the chair on the right side of the court. Featured.
Phoenix Suns player Torrey Craig spoke, and Mercury player Briana Turner also spoke.
"Knowing BG is knowing such a kind spirit, a good person, such a giver. I can keep up with her type many times," Turner said. Said. A letter with Greener. "We need to bring her home. She deserves to be at home. She needs to return with family and friends. We are BG."
Arizona Congress Former Mayor of Phoenix, Greg Stanton, was also at hand after pushing for a resolution calling for the immediate release of Greener, passed by the US House of Representatives earlier this week.
"Today is important, a sign of unity, and we hope our president, our government, will do what it takes to bring our fellow Americans home. I said in one voice what I was doing, "Stanton said.
