Brittney Griner Update: Cherelle Griner Reveals Painful Situation of WNBA Star in Russian Prison

Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, requested that the fans of the imprisoned WNBA star in Russia send her letters of support.

At the Glamour Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday night, Cherelle presented a tearful letter to her wife outlining the challenges they had faced since Brittney's imprisonment in February.

Brittney Griner is Mentally Unwell

Cherelle expressed that she has been in "absolute disbelief" over the last eight months. "I can't believe that I'm standing in front of you guys today and living without my favorite person, my greatest love, my sanctuary," she said, as reported by People.

During the ceremony, the recent law school graduate read a touching letter to her wife stating that she missed the bond she shared with the basketball athlete. After Brittney's arrest, Cherelle admitted that she "took for granted" their ability to communicate with each other.

Cherelle Griner disclosed that Brittney is mentally unwell and how heartbreaking their situation has been for her, The Spun reported. Griner's concerns about her wife's sanity while in Russian imprisonment are discernible. Their climates are notoriously difficult to survive in.

Brittney Griner's relocation to a correctional camp is widely expected. but the way Russia is treating her, according to Cherelle, is very unacceptable. Cherelle pointed out that there is an irrationality between crime and punishment in the Russian justice system. She added that she learned that there are murderers in Russia serving far shorter terms than Brittney Griner.

Cherelle Griner is crossing her fingers that the United States and Russia can arrange a prisoner exchange. While on ABC's 'The View' this Tuesday, Cherelle Griner commented on her wife's hardships in Russia.

Cherelle urged viewers to join her in sending letters of encouragement to Brittney at weareBG.org or the hashtag #WeAreBG.

"She is 100% not okay, and there is little I can do to ease her pain," Cherelle noted, adding that she firmly believes that "words can make a difference" in dealing with the difficult situation.

Russian Court Denies Brittney Griner's Appeal

Last week, a Russian judge denied the appeal of Brittney Griner for her nine-year sentence for drug possession, which might bring her closer to a high-stakes prisoner swap between Russia and the United States, according to AP News.

The eight-time WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold winner was convicted on Aug. 4 after authorities seized cannabis oil vape canisters in her luggage in Moscow. The 32-year-old Griner was not present in person during the Moscow Regional Court hearing but instead appeared via video link from the penitentiary colony outside of the city.

Griner stated at her trial that she had packed the canisters accidentally in her rush to make her trip and that she had no criminal intent. Her legal team submitted declarations claiming she used medical marijuana for chronic pain.

After Griner's conviction, her legal team contended that the nine-year sentence was too harsh because it was so close to the maximum of 10 years. In similar cases, criminals receive an average five-year sentence, with a third given parole they said.

Tags

Russia, Drugs, Basketball, WNBA, Phoenix Mercury, Mental health