SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
The saga of Brittney Griner continues, as the WNBA star is still in custody since her arrest on drug charges in February at the Sheremetyevo Airport in Russia. The Russian Federal customs services claims to have found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in Griner’s luggage. The 31 year old professional basketball star was playing in Russia during the league’s offseason and last played a game in the U.S. in July. She plead guilty to the charges amid pressure to do so.
Griner also wrote a letter to President Joe Biden pleading for his help in the case. Her case has become a political football in the Russia-Ukraine war. Reports have Russia willing to trade Griner in exchange for Viktor Bout, a notorious criminal figure.
After pleading guilty, Griner faces 10 years in a Russian jail. Regardless of what happens next, the sports world right now has started a public campaign for the release of Brittney Griner. The Golden State Warriors spoke out on the Griner situation during their playoff run, as well as other NBA teams.
During the WNBA All-Star weekend, Griner was the focus of the weekend, as she was named an honorary starter. Team A’ja Wilson beat Team Breanna Stewart 134-112, with Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum taking MVP honors. One of the game’s highlights was a dunk by the soon-retiring Sylvia Fowles. Meanwhile, Chicago Sky shooter Allie Quigley won the 3-Point Shootout, while New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu won the Skills Challenge with NC State committed star Zoe Brooks. (WNBA players team up with high school players in the competition.)
Finally, the upcoming MLB All-Star game will feature players for both NY squads. Pitchers include Gerrit Cole and Clay Holmes for the Yankees, and Edwin Diaz for the Mets. Position players include Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jose Trevino for the Yankees, and Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, and Starling Marte for the Mets. Alonso, who is the two-time defending Home Run Derby champ, will be back to defend his crown. There is no word on if 2022 HR leader Aaron Judge will participate.
