LeBron James Isn’t Sure Brittney Griner Should Want To Return To The U.S

LeBron James has shared his opinion on the arrest and detainment of WNBA player Brittney Griner, saying he wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t even want to return to the US following her ordeal. 

Griner, 31, was arrested at an airport in Moscow, Russia, back in February after allegedly trying to be bring two cannabis oil vape cartridges into the country. 

The professional basketball player has been held in custody since and has pleaded with US officials, including President Joe Biden to help get her released - but as yet, is still detained in Russia.

In a trailer for an upcoming episode of his show The Shop, James shares his views on the incident, saying: “How can she feel like America has her back?

“I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even want to go back to America?’.”

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Last week, Griner pleaded guilty to the charges but said she had no deliberate intentions of breaking the law. 

She told the judge: “I'd like to plead guilty, your honour, but there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law.”

During her time in custody, Griner, who plays for Phoenix Mercury, wrote a letter to Biden begging him to help her and others US citizens detained in the Russia. 

She wrote: “I’m terrified I might be here forever. 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.”

Griner also spoke of her dad, a veteran of the US Marine Corps, writing: “On the 4th of July, our family normally honours the service of those men who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. 

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“It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”

She went on to say that she was missing her family and urged the President to do ‘whatever you can do’ to help get her back to the US. 

“I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you,” an excerpt read.

“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.”

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Topics: Sport, US News, lebron james

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at UNILAD who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats.