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WNBA superstar Brittney Griner was falsely imprisoned in Russia for nearly a year after authorities found a small amount of prescription cannabis oil in her luggage. Now, Griner is warning Americans that what she experienced in Russia could happen in the U.S., too.
This month, two American citizens were shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis amid a strong increase in activity from ICE and the border patrol, following a directive from United States President Donald Trump.
As Griner promotes the release of an upcoming documentary shedding light on her imprisonment in Russia, she has spoken out on the current state of the country, issuing a warning to Americans about where she thinks the country is trending.
“I hope this film can shed some light into what it could be like if we keep letting this happen,” Griner told The Hollywood Reporter. “Right now, we’re in a very bad place, especially with everything that’s going on in Minnesota and just across our country … I definitely think people will understand a little bit more now and be able to see some comparisons.”
Griner knows that she will face criticism by speaking out, but that is not going to stop her from speaking out.
“I am human, and sometimes it gets me worked up, it makes me want to say something,” she said. “But at the same time, a lot of these people are just looking to get noticed in their mediocre lives, and they need a response from me or whoever they’re attacking to feel important, because they want to get their two seconds of fame. I try to do a good job ignoring it.”
Despite the dire warning from the WNBA star, she does seem confident that the country can change if people come together.
“I hope people get the sense of, ‘when we come together we can stop what’s going on,’” Griner said. “We can change what’s going on right now in our country.”
Griner is certainly not the only athlete standing up against ICE and Trump. Several prominent voices have spoken out.
Over the weekend, WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart held a sign that read “Abolish ICE” during player introductions before an Unrivaled game. Additionally, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr offered some candid comments on Renee Nicole Good’s death earlier this month, and he followed that up with some strong words on the latest shooting and the state of the media on Sunday. Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers called Good’s death “straight-up murder.” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama refused to be silent as he spoke out on the recent incidents, too.
Clearly, this issue is important to athletes across the country, and Griner is helping lead the conversation.
