“169 Days Too Long”: WNBA Stars Demand Action After Brittney Griner Sentenced to 9 Years in Russian Prison

MOSCOW / WASHINGTON D.C. — Emotions are boiling over in the WNBA and across the world as Brittney Griner, one of America’s top women’s basketball players, has officially been sentenced to 9 years in a Russian prison on drug-related charges. The verdict, handed down by a court outside Moscow on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the sports community, sparking outrage, grief, and fierce demands for immediate action.

The judgment came 169 days after Griner was first detained in Russia, where she was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, a banned substance in the country. Though Griner had earlier pleaded guilty, stating she had no intent to break Russian law, the court found her guilty of drug smuggling and possession, asserting that she had acted with criminal intent.

A Sentence That Shook the World of Sports

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA champion, and one of the most recognizable faces in women’s basketball, has now become a political and humanitarian flashpoint. The sentence—widely seen as excessive and politically motivated—has prompted a growing chorus of voices demanding her release.

Among them is Breanna Stewart, star forward for the Seattle Storm and fellow WNBA MVP, who took to Twitter with a blunt, emotional appeal:

“It’s been 169 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, was wrongfully detained in Russia. It’s time she comes home. @WhiteHouse @POTUS @VP, we are watching and relying on you. #WeAreBG.”

Her tweet quickly went viral, becoming a rallying cry for athletes, fans, celebrities, and human rights advocates alike.

“Enough Is Enough”: WNBA Stars Losing Patience

For months, WNBA players have been careful in their language, hoping diplomacy would win out. But Thursday’s verdict marked a turning point — and the gloves are coming off.

Breanna Stewart’s tweet wasn’t just a message. It was a warning: the WNBA community’s patience is wearing thin.

“We’ve been supportive, we’ve been respectful, but 169 days is too long,” one anonymous WNBA player told ESPN. “This isn’t a situation where we can sit quietly anymore. We need our government to act.”

President Biden Responds: “This Is Unacceptable”

Shortly after the sentencing, President Joe Biden issued a formal statement condemning the verdict and renewing his call for Griner’s immediate release:

“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence. This is yet another reminder of what the world already knows: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”

Biden also reaffirmed that his administration would continue working “tirelessly” to bring both Griner and Paul Whelan—another American detained in Russia—home as soon as possible.

A Legal Process Many Call Political Theater

Griner’s legal defense team had argued that the cannabis oil was prescribed and that she had no criminal intent. They presented documentation and even brought in character witnesses to support her case.

However, the Russian court appeared unmoved, a decision that many international observers suggest has less to do with the facts and more to do with geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Russia, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“It’s obvious Brittney is being used as a political pawn,” said a human rights lawyer based in Brussels. “This sentence is designed to send a message — and unfortunately, she’s caught in the middle.”

Who Is Brittney Griner?

For those unfamiliar, Brittney Griner, 31, is more than just an athlete.

She’s a seven-time WNBA All-Star

A two-time Olympic gold medalist

A global advocate for LGBTQ+ rights

A dominant center for the Phoenix Mercury

And one of the few WNBA stars to play overseas during the offseason for financial reasons

Griner was returning to Russia in February to join her professional team UMMC Ekaterinburg, a move that many American players make to supplement their WNBA salaries.

That’s when her nightmare began.

A Timeline of Brittney Griner’s Detention

February 17, 2022: Griner is arrested at the Moscow airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil

March–May 2022: U.S. officials begin pushing for access and legal aid

May 3, 2022: U.S. State Department classifies her as “wrongfully detained”

July 2022: Griner pleads guilty but states she had no intent to break the law

August 4, 2022: Sentenced to 9 years in prison

Since then, public support and advocacy efforts have only intensified.

Social Media Erupts: #WeAreBG Trends Worldwide

The hashtag #WeAreBG, launched early in Griner’s detention, once again surged after the verdict. Athletes, celebrities, politicians, and fans from around the world posted tributes, messages of support, and urgent demands for her release.

Some notable voices included:

LeBron James: “We can’t let her sit there another day. Bring her home.”

Hillary Clinton: Simply posted: “Free Brittney.”

Billie Jean King: “This sentence is a disgrace. We stand with Brittney.”

Sue Bird, WNBA legend and Stewart’s wife, tweeted: “169 days. Heartbroken.”

A Larger Issue: Why Was She Even There?

One painful irony underlying this entire situation is that Griner wouldn’t have needed to play in Russia if WNBA salaries were higher. Many players have pointed this out, sparking a broader debate about equal pay, athlete protection, and league responsibility.

“We send our stars overseas because they don’t get paid what they’re worth here. And now one of them is in prison for it,” said ESPN analyst and former player Chiney Ogwumike.

What’s Next? Prisoner Swap Talks Underway

There have been reports that the U.S. is negotiating a prisoner exchange, possibly involving Griner and Whelan for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, currently imprisoned in the U.S.

Though controversial, the deal has gained momentum, particularly after Griner’s sentencing. The White House has not confirmed specifics but has said it is pursuing “all available avenues.”

The WNBA: Standing United

The WNBA has rallied around Griner from the beginning. Her initials “BG” are emblazoned on every court. Players and coaches wear shirts bearing her name and number. Moments of silence have been held in arenas across the country.

But now, the tone has shifted — from support to urgency.

“We love you, BG. And we won’t stop fighting until you’re home,” said Phoenix Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard