WNBA star Brittney Griner ‘wrongfully detained’ in Russia, according to new U.S. designation
The Biden administration now believes WNBA star Brittney Griner is being “wrongfully detained” in Russia after allegedly being caught with hashish oil at the airport.
The new designation, reported by ESPN Tuesday, is expected to change the conversation around Griner’s imprisonment, moving the White House to fight more aggressively for her release outside of legal channels. It also frees her teammates and supporters to be vocal after her legal team and wife asked fans to not cause a stir that could make her situation worse.
“Brittney has been detained for 75 days and our expectation is that the White House do whatever is necessary to bring her home,” Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, told ESPN.
A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed the new designation to the New York Daily News.
“With this determination, the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs will lead the interagency team for securing Brittney Griner’s release,” the spokesperson said.
Griner, 31, was arrested in February at Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow after Russian authorities allegedly found the vape cartridges in her luggage. She has not been formally charged but is scheduled for a hearing on May 19.
It’s unclear what changed for the White House to change Griner’s designation, but the move comes days after the release of U.S. Marines veteran Trevor Reed, who was freed from a Russian jail in a prisoner swap for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. Reed, who was convicted of assaulting a Russian cop, was two years into his nine-year sentence.
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, who was considered crucial in securing Reed’s release and has been working for the same for another American held in Russia, Paul Whelan, is now taking up Griner’s case, according to ESPN.
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
The United States' Brittney Griner plays during a women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayThe United States' Brittney Griner plays during a women's basketball preliminary round game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 30, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner, left, and teammate Skylar Diggins pose with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner, left, and teammate Skylar Diggins pose with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseSteve Marcus
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, left, reacts after making a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage (8) is at right. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
Steve MarcusPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, left, reacts after making a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage (8) is at right. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) elbows Chicago Sky's Stevanie Dolson (31) during the second half in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 80-74 to become the WNBA Champions. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) elbows Chicago Sky's Stevanie Dolson (31) during the second half in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 80-74 to become the WNBA Champions. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner runs up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner runs up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics on Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States' Brittney Griner flexes her muscle after making a basket during a women's basketball quarterfinal round game against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States' Brittney Griner flexes her muscle after making a basket during a women's basketball quarterfinal round game against Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Aug. 4, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRoss D. Franklin
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ross D. FranklinPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseLM Otero
In this March 4, 2013, file photo, Baylor center Brittney Griner celebrates after she scored 50 points during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in Waco, Texas. Griner was selected as The Associated Press' women's college basketball player of the year on April 6, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM OteroIn this March 4, 2013, file photo, Baylor center Brittney Griner celebrates after she scored 50 points during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in Waco, Texas. Griner was selected as The Associated Press' women's college basketball player of the year on April 6, 2013. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseGerald Herbert
Baylor's Brittney Griner holds up a Phoenix Mercury shirt as she poses next to The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year trophy during a news conference at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Gerald HerbertBaylor's Brittney Griner holds up a Phoenix Mercury shirt as she poses next to The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year trophy during a news conference at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseTony Gutierrez
Baylor's Brittney Griner jokes around as she poses for photographers with the 2013 Big 12 Championship sign on March 11, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony GutierrezBaylor's Brittney Griner jokes around as she poses for photographers with the 2013 Big 12 Championship sign on March 11, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
In this March, 2012, file photo, Baylor's Brittney Griner grabs a rebound in front of Tennessee's Glory Johnson during an NCAA college basketball tournament regional final in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallIn this March, 2012, file photo, Baylor's Brittney Griner grabs a rebound in front of Tennessee's Glory Johnson during an NCAA college basketball tournament regional final in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States's Brittney Griner (15) drives to the basket past Japan's Maki Takada (8) during a women's gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States's Brittney Griner (15) drives to the basket past Japan's Maki Takada (8) during a women's gold medal basketball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseCharlie Neibergall
United States's Brittney Griner poses with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Charlie NeibergallUnited States's Brittney Griner poses with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States' Brittney Griner takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States' Brittney Griner takes a selfie with teammates posing with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseLuca Bruno
United States' Brittney Griner walks up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Luca BrunoUnited States' Brittney Griner walks up court during the women's basketball gold medal game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRick Scuteri
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner during the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. Phoenix won 83-82. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick ScuteriPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner during the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. Phoenix won 83-82. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseElaine Thompson
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner motions after a teammate scored against the Seattle Storm in the second half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Elaine ThompsonPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner motions after a teammate scored against the Seattle Storm in the second half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseDavid Becker
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
David BeckerPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Chicago Sky's Candace Parker, right, is defended by Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner during the second half of Game 3 of basketball's WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 86-50. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyChicago Sky's Candace Parker, right, is defended by Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner during the second half of Game 3 of basketball's WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. Chicago won 86-50. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRalph Freso
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) looks to pass as Chicago Sky center Candace Parker defends during the first half of game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Ralph FresoPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) looks to pass as Chicago Sky center Candace Parker defends during the first half of game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals on Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRalph Freso
Phoenix Mercury center Kia Vaughn (1) talks with teammates Shey Peddy (5), Skylar Diggins-Smith (4) and Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals against the Chicago Sky, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Ralph FresoPhoenix Mercury center Kia Vaughn (1) talks with teammates Shey Peddy (5), Skylar Diggins-Smith (4) and Brittney Griner during the first half of Game 1 of the WNBA basketball Finals against the Chicago Sky, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds casePaul Beaty
Chicago Sky's Kahleah Copper (2) goes up to shoot the basketball against Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) and Kia Vaughn (1) during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Paul BeatyChicago Sky's Kahleah Copper (2) goes up to shoot the basketball against Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) and Kia Vaughn (1) during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseEric Gay
United States' Brittney Griner shoots during a preliminary round women's basketball game against Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Eric GayUnited States' Brittney Griner shoots during a preliminary round women's basketball game against Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 27, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseMichael Conroy
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Indiana Fever forward Teaira McCowan (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michael ConroyPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) shoots over Indiana Fever forward Teaira McCowan (15) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseRick Scuteri
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is shown during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky, Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Rick ScuteriPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is shown during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky, Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseChase Stevens
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots next to Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage, obscured, during the first half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chase Stevens)
Chase StevensPhoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots next to Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage, obscured, during the first half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chase Stevens)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseMatt York
Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, left, watches practice with teammate Diana Taurasi on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Matt YorkPhoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, left, watches practice with teammate Diana Taurasi on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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2 months after WNBA star Brittney Griner’s arrest, mystery surrounds caseTony Gutierrez
Baylor's Brittney Griner pauses as she responds to a reporter's question as head coach Kim Mulkey, right, watches during a news conference following their second-round game against Florida State in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 85-47. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony GutierrezBaylor's Brittney Griner pauses as she responds to a reporter's question as head coach Kim Mulkey, right, watches during a news conference following their second-round game against Florida State in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Baylor won 85-47. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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WNBA star Brittney Griner ‘wrongfully detained’ in Russia, according to new U.S. designationAris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images North America/TNS
USA's Brittney Griner (2L) shoots the ball as Japan's Yuki Miyazawa (L) tries to block in the women's preliminary round group B basketball match between Japan and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on July 30, 2021. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)
Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images North America/TNSUSA's Brittney Griner (2L) shoots the ball as Japan's Yuki Miyazawa (L) tries to block in the women's preliminary round group B basketball match between Japan and USA during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on July 30, 2021. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)
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