Boston Celtics players wore t-shirts reading ‘We Are BG’ for practice session on Saturday calling for Mercury’s star Brittney Griner to return home after being detained in Russia for more than 100 days — wrongfully so, as U.S. officials insist.
“It’s extremely tough seeing what she’s going through. I know everybody sees and feels that, and obviously, we’re all together in support trying to bring her back to her family and things like that. Yeah, wearing those shirts today in support of her,” Jayson Tatum said.
The idea came by the Players Association as the United States officials are hoping to bring her back in the country. Griner has been detained since February after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage.
The Phoenix Mercury star played in Russia prior to the start of the WNBA season. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the U.S., faces drug smuggling charges that carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
“Came from the Players Association, led by Grant Williams. But as a collective we wanted to come out and show our support for Brittney Griner. She’s been over there for an extended amount of time, and we feel like enough is enough,” Jaylen Brown said.
Celtics forward guard Grant Williams helped coordinate Saturday’s effort, working with the NBPA and the WNBA’s player association as well to make it happen. He said it’s important NBA players show “that love and support” for Griner.
“They sent them overnight to get them here for today,” Williams said. “They did a phenomenal job, and want to credit them to make that process happen. We just wanted to do that as a team.”
WNBA addressed the situation with Griner in many ways even before the start of the regular season, including social media posts from many players. The NBA followed with several stars calling for her return.
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