WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife Cherelle have called on the White House to continue using every tool possible to bring detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich home from Russia. The couple praised President Joe Biden's commitment to rescuing Americans, citing the recent successful efforts in bringing home Jeff Woodke and Paul Rusesabagina.
The Russian government agency claimed it arrested Gershkovich while he was "trying to obtain secret information" about one of the enterprises of their military-industrial complex. However, WSJ denies these allegations from FSB and is seeking immediate release of its trusted reporter.
Griner herself has experienced being jailed in Russia for most of last year after playing professionally there since 2014. She was released in a high-profile prisoner swap.
In light of this experience, she empathizes with Gershkovich’s situation and urges supporters to encourage the Biden administration to use all available resources for his release.
The White House has described these accusations as “ridiculous” and President Joe Biden himself has already called on Moscow to free him. As a respected figure in sports, Griner hopes that her voice adds weight behind this call for justice.
Gershkovich remains detained under criminal charges for espionage by FSB Investigation Department despite calls from various organizations urging Russian authorities not only release him but also respect freedom of press.
Fans can catch Griner’s first game which will be aired on ESPN when the WNBA season begins next month – hopefully with good news about Gershkovitch's return home safely soon following suit.