Billie Jean King urges to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner back home after the Russian government declined her appeal over drug charges
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Brittney Griner and Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King has shown her support towards detained Women’s NBA player Brittney Griner in Russia, as she felt the severity of the punishment is quite harsh. The NBA star was caught carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is considered illegal in Russia.
The former American world number one has been one of the flagbearers of women’s sports. She has inspired millions of people around the world and claimed her dominance throughout her career, which lasted nearly three decades. She has been one of the founders of WTA and the Women’s Sports Foundation and stands for social rights and justice.
The 12-time Grand Slam winner stated the Russian government has declined her appeal. She urged everyone to bring Griner back home since the US Government wasn’t showing support towards her. She even questioned why Brittney’s case is unusual from the rest. She also noted the fact that the 32-year-old basketball player will face a nine-year sentence in prison on drug charges, which is quite traumatic for the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
The 4-time US Open champion took the social media to express her concerns, stating “A Russian court has denied Brittney Griner’s appeal. She will begin her nine-year prison sentence on drug charges. The U.S. government has declared her wrongfully detained. @Independent explains why Brittney’s sentence is unusual. We must bring her home.“
Billie Jean King has always shown her support for gender equality
The 6-time Wimbledon champion had created history when she was just 29 years of age and went on to defeat 55-year-old and former American No 1 player Bobby Riggs. That historic match is famously known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes‘ and remains one of the most famous tennis events of all time.
Apart from the support for female tennis athletes in various instances, Jean King went on to praise F1 legend, Lewis Hamilton, for his efforts in bringing up women in sports. She thanked him for advocating for more inclusivity and representation for the women of racing to grow the sport.
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