Brittney Griner wrote in a letter that was handwritten and delivered to the White House Monday that she was afraid she might be held in Russia forever.
Cherelle Griner, Griner's spouse, told CBS Mornings that she felt the same fear when she read the letter.
"She is probably my strongest friend, so words like those are not something she uses lightly. This means that she is truly afraid she might never see us again. Cherelle stated, "You know, I feel the same sentiments."
Cherelle, who spoke to her wife only recently through letters, stated that Griner wrote to President Joe Biden because his family had not been able to contact him.
It hurts me when she asks, "Have they met yet?" And I had to tell her no... Cherelle said that she was certain she is saying, "I'm going write him and ask now, because my family has failed to help, so I'm going do it myself."
Cherelle claimed that she had not heard from Biden even after yesterday's mail was sent. She said it was "very disheartening"
Griner was detained at Moscow's airport in February when Russian officials claimed that she had cannabis oil in her bag. Griner, a Phoenix Mercury center, was ordered by a Russian judge to remain in custody. Griner could spend 10 years in Russian prison if she is convicted of drug smuggling. Griner's trial will resume July 7.
Cherelle stated that when she heard Griner was being charged by Russia for "large-scale transport of drugs", she couldn't believe her ears.
"It was amazing because I am large-scale. B.G. is my best friend. Every day is a new adventure for me and B.G. Because I know my wife, I knew that it was false the moment I heard it. She said, "I'm like, no," and she added, "It's very unfortunate that she's here because B.G. It is not a large-scale operation to traffic drugs. It was difficult to hear the charge.
Griner's trial began last week, after many delays. Cherelle only has photos of Griner in the courtroom. Griner was in one of those photos that made her worry. She asked Griner if she was okay and if she was insane at this point.
"I wrote her honestly and said, "Hey honey! I saw a photo of you. I know propaganda exists, but I need to ask, I feel inclined to ask... Are you okay? Is this insane? If you are, please understand that I still love and care about you. When you return, we will be full of love for you. Show yourself grace. Cherelle asked, "Please help me my conscience, if you aren't insane, please tell me more context about this picture,"" Cherelle replied.
Brittney replied to Cherelle, "I was very weak at the moment." She said that she was not crazy, but she did promise. "But I was shocked because when I turned the corner it seemed like there were hundreds of media people just waiting with cameras and other things.
Cherelle was a partner in the U.S. Department of State's work. They determined Brittney was being held illegally.
Cherelle stated that she is working hard to see that her wife is released and returned to the United States.
"Initially, I was told that we were going to reserve. We're going try to manage this behind the scenes. Let's not increase her value, and please, stay silent. Respectfully, we are now at 140 days. Cherelle stated, "That doesn't work." So I won't be silent anymore. I will seek out the balance between harm and help to push our government to do all that is possible. If they are still, they don't move, they don't do anything. My wife is in a difficult situation, and we must help her.
