Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner has America divided on her release issue from prison sentence in Russia. After her arrest earlier this year, she has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian jail. While a section of society feels she should serve her sentence, some feel the officials should bring her back.

Recently, American soccer legend Alex Morgan sported a shirt with a WNBA logo in the front and a large Griner text on her back. Needless to say, some people bashed Morgan for supporting Griner openly. Following up on similar lines, a three-time Olympic champion sported a similar shirt to that of Morgan.

Basketball Hall of Famer openly supports WNBA star, Brittney Griner

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner currently is in a Russian jail facing nine years in prison. After her latest appeal was rejected by the Russian judiciary, a prisoner swap deal remains her only hope.

During this period, athletes around the world have come out either in support or against her. After Morgan’s latest support for Griner, Hall of Famer and former Olympic Champion Dawn Staley sported a Brittney Griner shirt.

This is not the first time Staley has talked about Griner. The coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team tweeted out in support of BG after her initial arrest earlier this year.

Staley prayed for Griner after her arrest

On the 17th of February, officials detained Brittney Griner in Russia. They found cannabis oil in vape cartridges while searching her belongings. Subsequently, she has undergone a long legal procedure which eventually led to the country’s Judiciary sentencing her to nine years in prison.

READ MORE: “This is Not a Building With Cells”: Ex-Inmate Detailed Bizarre Russian Prison Experience That Will Shake Brittney Griner Supporters

Right after her arrest, Staley put out a tweet in favor of Griner. She tweeted, “I can’t stop thinking about and praying for Brittney Griner. My prayer is for her to find the perfect peace and strength to get thru each day…..and a special prayer for those who are working for her immediate release.”

On the 25th of October, Griner’s appeal was rejected by the court. This effectively means that she will have to complete her nine years in prison. One of her last hope remains the prisoner swap deal floated around by Washington and Moscow. However, considering the complexity of the case, negotiations have been tough and slow.

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What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.