WNBA standout Brittney Griner continues to be held in custody in Russia for almost five months. In a new clip from HBO’s The Shop: Uninterrupted, LeBron James candidly shared his thoughts on the matter, expressing dissatisfaction with America’s actions to secure her release. He even pondered whether she would want to return to the U.S. considering the response she has received from the country.
“How can she feel supported by America?” James questioned. “I would be questioning if I even want to return to America.”
Following significant criticism for his initial remarks, James took to Twitter to clarify his statements.
“My comments on ‘The Shop’ about Brittney Griner weren’t meant to criticize our country. I was simply trying to understand the emotional and mental toll she might be experiencing after being confined for over 100+ days! In short #BringHerHome”
Griner was detained in February for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing hashish oil at a Russian airport. She recently pleaded guilty to the charges, with her detention extended until December by Russian authorities. Griner potentially faces a lengthy prison sentence of up to 10 years.
President Joe Biden and his administration have faced backlash for their perceived lack of action in securing Griner’s return from what the State Department sees as an unjust detention.
Mercury coach Vanessa Nygaard implied that Griner’s situation would be different if she were LeBron James.
“If it were LeBron, he would already be back, right?” Nygaard remarked. “It speaks to the worth of women, the worth of a black individual, the worth of a gay individual. We are aware of this reality, and that’s what makes it even more painful.”
The timeline for Griner’s return to the United States remains uncertain.
The original post by Total Pro Sports can be found here.
