US State Department Now Classifies WNBA Player Brittney Griner as "Wrongly Detained" in Russia

Brittney Griner's arrest extended in Russia 0:49

(CNN) -

The State Department has now classified WNBA player Brittney Griner as wrongfully detained in Russia and her case is being handled by the Office of the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA). acronym in English) Roger Carstens, a State Department official confirmed to CNN.

The SPEHA office, which directs and coordinates the administration's diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, played a major role in securing the release of US citizen and former military officer Trevor Reed from Russia last week.

"When it comes to our efforts to free Americans, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Ambassador Carstens, will go anywhere, talk to anyone if it means we can go home with an American, to reunite that American with his family," State Department spokesman Ned Price said Monday.

American basketball player arrested in Russia 1:40

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and player for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was arrested in February at a Moscow airport and charged by Russian authorities with smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. prison.

She plays for Russian powerhouse UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason.

On Tuesday, the WNBA said it will honor Griner during the 2022 season with his initials (BG) and jersey number (42) on the sidelines on all 12 home courts.

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“As we kick off the 2022 season, we keep Brittney at the forefront of what we do through the game of basketball and in the community,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

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"We continue to work to bring Brittney home and appreciate the support the community has shown BG and her family during this extraordinarily challenging time."

Last season, Griner finished second in voting for the Most Valuable Player award.

She led the Mercury to the WNBA Finals, where Phoenix lost to the Chicago Sky in four games.

The WNBA season kicks off this Friday and Phoenix kicks off their season at home against the Las Vegas Aces.

Brittney Griner WNBA