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Topics: Australia, NBA, Basketball, Lebron James, Russia, United States
Max Sherry
Topics: Australia, NBA, Basketball, Lebron James, Russia, United States
LeBron James has suggested Brittney Griner should question whether she actually wants to the return to the United States following her release from custody in Russia.
Despite pleas for help from Griner herself, American authorities haven't been able to strike a deal with Russian officials to get her home.
With the WNBA player still sitting in a cell in Moscow for more than 100 days, people have began venting their frustrations with the lack of action being taken to get her released – LeBron being one of them.
The NBA megastar now firmly believes Griner should strongly reconsider her desire to return to the United States at all.
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Speaking on an episode of The Shop, LeBron said: "Now, how can she feel like America has her back?
"I would be feeling like 'Do I even want to go back to America?'"
Throughout the ordeal, Griner has personally reached out to the United States' leaders in a bid for some support.
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"As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I'm terrified I might be here forever,' she wrote in a handwritten note to US President Joe Biden.
"On the 4th of July, our family normally honours the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran,' she continued. 'It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.
"I realise you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you.
"I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."
31-year-old Griner has been in captivity in Russia since February after she was caught bringing two vape cartridges into the country.
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It's understood those cartridges contained cannabis oil and she was subsequently hit with a number of drug smuggling charges with some reports suggesting she could be facing up to 10 years behind bars.
Last week there was a breakthrough though as the Phoenix Mercury star pleaded guilty to the charges but denied intentionally breaking the law
Griner's attorney, Maria Blagovolina told reporters: “We, as her defence, explained to her the possible consequences. Brittney stressed that she committed the crime out of carelessness, getting ready to board a plane to Russia in a hurry, not intending to break Russian law.
"We certainly hope this circumstance, in combination with the defence evidence, will be taken into account when passing the sentence, and it will be mild."