麻豆约拍

The American basketball star Brittney Griner appeared in court in Moscow on Wednesday, charged with drugs offences. She is accused of smuggling narcotics into the country after a vape containing hash oil was found in her luggage in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. The WNBA star has been in custody since February. Having earlier pleased guilty, she contests that she was not properly read her rights and did not properly understand the documents she was asked to sign at her arrest.

Fellow WNBA basketball stars Joyce Ekworomadu (San Antonio Silverstars) and Amanda Zahui (Los Angeles Sparks), share their support for "BG". Both were surprised to not see Brittney at matches and were shocked when they learnt of her detainment.

"The fact that she's been detained by that same country she dedicated a lot of her life to," says Amanda Zahui. "We're missing a piece of us...someone who makes such a difference not only in sport, entertainment but in the community."

Joyce Ekworomadu adds, "BG is someone that has really been a vocal and person at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ community and truly being open to who we are as people."

Joyce and Amanda also share the realities of life as a professional female basketball player. There is a huge pay gap between female and male players and many WNBA starts are forced to supplement their income by playing in overseas leagues. Some are also penalised for playing overseas beyond the permitted time.

Both call for the Biden administration to urgently look at options to bring Brittney back

Photo: Brittney Griner walking in a Russian court building Credit: EPA

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