With the new NBA season beginning Tuesday, a couple of the game’s brightest stars are using their platforms to shed light on a sad situation.
After all, Tuesday was also former WNBA star Brittney Griner’s birthday. Griner has been detained in Russia for the past eight months, with the U.S. government continuing efforts to get her back in the country.
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry used his platform during the team’s ring ceremony Tuesday night to raise awareness of Griner’s detainment and share a hope for her to be freed soon.
Curry referred to Griner as “a very special member of the basketball community” in his call for her to return back to the U.S.
"Brittney Griner's birthday is today. She's 32 years old."
Steph gave the WNBA star a shoutout during the Dubs' ring ceremony. pic.twitter.com/Zf8aum53po
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 19, 2022
In Memphis, Grizzlies standouts Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson III wore hoodies that honored Griner during a Tuesday practice.
Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. wearing Brittney Griner hoodies at Tuesday’s practice. Today is Griner’s 32nd birthday. She’s been held in Russian prison since February. pic.twitter.com/yqcA1qgIvA
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) October 18, 2022
In fact, the whole team reportedly received Griner hoodies from Jackson’s mother and the WNBA. Morant also joined Curry and publicly spoke out about Griner’s cause Tuesday.
Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s mother and the WNBA gifted Memphis Grizzlies players Brittney Griner hoodies.
Jackson and Ja Morant wore them at Tuesday’s practice, on Griner’s 32nd birthday.Morant: “I feel like it’s no way she should be detained right now.”
Story:https://t.co/3WLECMt0A1
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) October 18, 2022
As the NBA season goes on and Griner’s detainment continues, more stars will likely use their platform to raise more awareness for Griner and her difficult situation in Russia.
Griner even shared Tuesday on her birthday her appreciation for people like Curry and Morant who are speaking out on her behalf.
Brittney Griner releases message on her 32nd birthday (in a statement shared by her lawyer):
“Thank you everyone for fighting so hard to get me home. All the support and love are definitely helping me.”— Ana Cabrera (@AnaCabrera) October 18, 2022
As this saga continues, the NBA will likely continue to be a bastion of support for Griner and her release.
