Jun 9, 2022 - Sports

Phoenix Mercury will be briefed by State Department on Brittney Griner case

Noah Garfinkel

Brittney Griner and Candace Parker — Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury shoots over Candace Parker #3 playing in the 2021 WNBA finals. Photo: Mike Mattina/Getty Images

The State Department will brief the Phoenix Mercury on the Brittney Griner case while the team is in Washington D.C. this weekend, coach Vanessa Nygaard said at a press conference on Thursday.

The big picture: Griner, who has played for the Mercury since 2013, has been detained in Russia since March.

Details: A State Department spokesperson said they would not comment on private meetings, but reiterated that they were in close contact with Griner's legal team.

"A consular officer was able to verify on May 19 that Ms. Griner is doing as well as can be expected," the spokesperson added.

What they're saying: "I just really want the Biden administration, I want Vice President Harris to step up and really help us to bring our teammate home," Nygaard said.

Go Deeper: Trevor Reed calls on U.S. to secure Brittney Griner’s release from Russia

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Phoenix Mercury will be briefed by State Department on Brittney Griner case

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