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Kyrie Irving urges US President to 'do your job' in getting Brittney Griner released from Russian jail

Kyrie Irving urges US President to 'do your job' in getting Brittney Griner released from Russian jail

The Brooklyn Nets star took to the court before his team's opener to send a special message to the NBA community.

Kyrie Irving has called out Joe Biden, urging the US President 'do his job' in getting WNBA star Brittney Griner released from prison in Russia.

Griner was slapped with a nine-and-a-half-year jail sentence, found guilty on drugs charges after marijuana vape cartridges were found in her luggage at an airport.

But as she remains behind bars, her incarceration has sparked debate with some people claiming she deserves to be there as she broke the law.

On the other hand, a bunch of big-name celebrities have come forward demanding her release.

The likes of Steph Curry and Megan Rapinoe have been vocal in the past, but now it's Kyrie Irving's turn to push for her freedom.

Ahead of the Brooklyn Nets' opening game of the NBA season, Irving took to the court to deliver a message to those inside the Barclays Center.

"I appreciate us being able to share this floor together, all of us as brothers," he said.

"But the big picture that's going in the world is free our sister, Brittney Griner, please? Please?

"POTUS (President of the united States), do you job. Everyone, do your job. Please bring our sister home.

"We wouldn't be doing the jobs to the best of our ability if we didn't stand on what we believe in."

Brittney Griner.
Alamy

Biden's role in securing Griner's release has come under huge media scrutiny.

The US President has ensured he's doing all he can to help out, although the administration's offer to trade notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout - AKA 'The Merchant of Death' - in exchange for Griner's freedom didn't go down well.

That said, one person who has sung Biden's praises is Griner's wife Cherelle.

In a video made as part of the ‘WeAreBG’ campaign, Cherelle said: “I’ve felt every moment of the gruelling seven months without her.

“I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release.

“As my family and I continue on this journey, I’d like to thank our friends, leaders and supporters who continue to stand with us.

“And advocate for Brittney’s swift and safe return.”

She then ended with a message of hope for all Americans who had wrongfully been detained overseas.

Cherelle added: “Let’s share a unified commitment to bringing all Americans home to their families and loved ones.”

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@BrooklynNets/Alamy

Topics: Australia, NBA, Basketball, Russia