Lisa Leslie Reflects on Brittney Griner’s Detention in Russia, But Says She Can’t Speak Much

Lisa Leslie, the legendary WNBA star and one of the most iconic figures in American women’s basketball, recently opened up about the shocking and sensitive situation involving Brittney Griner—Phoenix Mercury’s superstar who has been detained in Russia since February 2025. What’s even more surprising is Leslie’s revelation that WNBA players were reportedly asked not to “make a fuss” or speak too loudly about Griner’s arrest. This raises many questions about who issued such an order, why the silence, and what really lies beneath this tense and complicated situation.

Brittney Griner’s Arrest Shakes the Basketball World

Brittney Griner, the renowned Phoenix Mercury forward, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport in February 2025 after Russian authorities discovered a vape cartridge containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Since then, she has been detained and faces potentially harsh legal consequences in a country known for its strict drug laws and tense geopolitical relations with the United States.

Griner’s detention immediately grabbed headlines worldwide, especially among sports fans and human rights advocates. The U.S. government has repeatedly called for her release, but despite diplomatic efforts, the situation remains unresolved, creating ongoing concern and heartbreak for Griner’s family, teammates, and supporters.

Lisa Leslie: A Voice from Within the WNBA

Lisa Leslie, a former star for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009 and a three-time WNBA MVP, appeared on the popular podcast “I AM ATHLETE” with Brandon Marshall, Chad Ochocinco, and Chantel Tremitiere to share her thoughts and emotions regarding the ongoing situation.

Leslie revealed that WNBA players had been instructed not to “make a big deal” about Griner’s detention. She explained, “What we were told, and again, all of this is hearsay, is that we should not make noise because it could be used against her in some way, especially during this time of war.” She emphasized that these instructions came from unnamed sources and “are circulating throughout the women’s basketball community.”

The Mysterious Silence and the Pressure to Stay Quiet

This enforced silence has left many puzzled and concerned. Why would a serious and high-profile arrest involving a major sports star be met with a request for quiet? Leslie clarified that the silence was likely a strategic move to prevent escalating tensions or making the situation worse in an already delicate political environment.

“They told us not to make it seem like the issue isn’t important, but also not to turn it into a loud campaign that could be exploited,” Leslie said. This reveals the complex and precarious balance between supporting a teammate and navigating the sensitivities of international diplomacy.

The Deep Worries That Keep Them Awake at Night

Throughout the conversation, Leslie did not hide her fears for Brittney Griner’s wellbeing. “We keep wondering: What’s happening to her now? Did they cut her hair? Is her bed long enough for her to lie down?” she said. “We think about her every day and worry about her physical and mental health. I’m sure her parents are heartbroken.”

Leslie also mentioned frequently discussing the situation with Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a six-time WNBA All-Star herself. “We talk about it every day and ask, ‘What can we do?’ It’s heartbreaking,” Leslie added. The community remains deeply concerned but uncertain about how best to help.

An Uncertain Future and Extended Detention

Brittney Griner’s detention has been extended until May 19, 2025, meaning she may remain in Russian custody for several more months under harsh conditions. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison, a daunting prospect that weighs heavily on everyone close to her.

The ongoing detention highlights the difficulties of navigating legal systems and diplomacy in a country where politics often complicate justice. Negotiations and efforts to secure Griner’s release are ongoing but have yet to produce concrete results.

Brittney Griner’s Career and Impact on Women’s Basketball

At just 31 years old, Brittney Griner is not only a talented athlete but a role model and trailblazer in women’s sports. She helped lead Phoenix Mercury to a WNBA championship in 2014 and has been named to the All-Star team seven times.

Her career has inspired countless young women and athletes around the world. The gravity of her detention extends beyond sports — it is a human story that has captured global attention.

The Dilemma: To Speak Out or Stay Silent?

One of the most pressing questions Leslie raised was whether WNBA players should use their social media platforms to advocate for Griner’s release. “This is the first time we’re dealing with something like this, and no one really knows what the right thing to do is,” Leslie admitted.

Many players want to support and raise awareness, but others have been cautioned that too much pressure might backfire or be manipulated for political gain. This uncertainty creates a complex emotional and strategic challenge for those who want to help.

A Politically Charged Context Behind the Headlines

Griner’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia, particularly following recent geopolitical conflicts. This context adds layers of complexity to the case, with both governments wary of escalating the situation further.

Leslie’s comments suggest that the WNBA’s silence may be less about apathy and more about protecting Brittney Griner from becoming a political pawn. This reality has left many fans and observers confused and intrigued by the apparent “quiet” surrounding a case that seems so urgent.

Hope for a Resolution Remains

For now, everyone continues to hope for a breakthrough that will lead to Brittney Griner’s release and safe return. Advocacy groups, government officials, teammates, and fans are all working behind the scenes to bring her home.

The big question remains: Will public pressure help, or could it unintentionally harm Griner’s chances? Meanwhile, Lisa Leslie’s heartfelt reflections serve as a reminder that behind every headline is a real person, a community, and a family anxiously awaiting answers.

Conclusion

Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia is much more than a sports story. It is a complicated human drama intertwined with politics, diplomacy, and deep personal fears. Lisa Leslie’s candid remarks reveal a hidden side of this crisis — one where silence is not a sign of indifference, but a strategic and emotional struggle to protect someone in an extraordinarily difficult situation.

The request for silence raises difficult questions about how athletes, the media, and governments should act when one of their own is caught in the crossfire of international conflict. As the basketball world watches and waits, the hope remains that Brittney Griner will soon be free and return to the court where she belongs.