“In terms of our efforts to unfastened American citizens, the Particular Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Ambassador Carstens, he’ll cross any place, he’ll communicate to somebody if it signifies that we are ready to come back house with an American, to reunite that American along with her or his circle of relatives,” State Division spokesperson Ned Value mentioned Monday.
Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and participant for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was once arrested in February at a Moscow airport and accused by means of Russian government of smuggling vital quantities of a narcotic substance — an offense punishable by means of as much as 10 years in jail.
She performs for Russian powerhouse UMMC Ekaterinburg all the way through the WNBA offseason.
On Tuesday, the WNBA mentioned it is going to honor Griner all the way through the 2022 season along with her initials (BG) and jersey quantity (42) alongside the sidelines of all 12 house courts.
“As we commence the 2022 season, we’re preserving Brittney at the leading edge of what we do during the sport of basketball and locally,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned in a remark.
“We proceed to paintings on bringing Brittney house and are appreciative of the reinforce the neighborhood has proven BG and her circle of relatives all the way through this extremely difficult time.”
Final season, Griner completed 2nd in Maximum Precious Participant award balloting. She led the Mercury to the WNBA Finals, the place Phoenix misplaced to the Chicago Sky in 4 video games.
The WNBA season begins Friday and Phoenix starts its season at house towards the Las Vegas Aces.
