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Tim BontempsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO — Members Boston Celtics At Saturday’s practice, Brittney Griner was still in Russia detention. They wore T-shirts that had “WE ARE BG” written on them.
“The shirts were very important, not only to show our support for Brittney Griner in Russia, but also because we wanted to show the togetherness and love we have throughout the NBA and WNBA.” Grant Williams said. “She’s been a key part of WNBA over the years, college, and in her impact on young female athletes, USA as well as overseas.
“We hope to have them back in the U.S. with their family and do the things she loves. We also want to bring the same love and tenacity they always play with on the courts.”
Williams, a vice president of the National Basketball Players Association said that the shirts were a collaboration by both the NBPA/WNBPA as a way show support for Griner, who continues to be held in Russia since February.
Williams stated, “They sent them overnight so they could get them here today.” “They did a fantastic job, and I want to thank them for making that happen. We were just trying to work as a group. It was one those things that no one could question. Everyone said, ‘Let’s do it.’ The shirt was fresh out of the box and everyone put it on right away. They were all ironed and ready for use. We wanted to show our love and support.”
Griner, 31 years old, is a seven-time WNBA All-Star, a 2014 WNBA Champion, and has been one the league’s top players since she was drafted by Phoenix Mercury with No. Griner, 31, was the first overall pick in 2013 WNBA Draft. She was drafted out of Baylor and won a championship.
Since mid-February, Griner was taken into custody by the United States.
It was an opportunity for the Celtics to show solidarity with Griner, with all the attention from the basketball world during the NBA’s championship round.
“As a group, we wanted to show our support for Brittney griner,” Celtics star Jaylen Brown said. “She’s been there for an extended time and we feel that enough is enough.”
Jayson Tatum Griner was a teammate of Team USA’s Tokyo Summer Olympic Games last year. Griner became a friend. He stated that he was able to spend a lot of time with Griner because of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has restricted the movement of players.
Tatum stated that “Being there with the Olympics it was during COVID so we couldn’t really go out to see other events and such like.” So after the games and practice, we would go to the hospitality room. We would play cards, sing along, and other games. A great person to be around. Her personality just brings light to the room.
It’s very difficult to see what she’s going though. It’s clear that everyone sees and feels it, and that we are all there to support her in trying to bring her home to her family. Wearing those shirts today in support for her.