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News

LeBron James Clarifies His Comments On Brittney Griner's Detainment

"I would be feeling like, 'Do I even want to go back to America?'" he questioned.

by Yolanda Baruch

July 13, 2022 at 6:06 pm

NBA icon LeBron James is attempting to clarify his remarks about WNBA player Brittney Griner‘s detainment in Russia.

James reflected on her detainment and questioned if she would return to the United States after being released, according to AZCentral.

James expressed his initial thoughts on the upcoming episode of The Shop, saying that Griner has been detained in a Russian prison for four and a half months in what appears to be a slow, arduous journey in bringing her back to American soil, according to Glamour.

“Now, how can she feel like America has her back?” he asked in a brief clip. “I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even want to go back to America?'”

After his initial comments aired, James jumped on Twitter to clear up any misconceptions, AZCentral reports.

“My comments on ‘The Shop’ regarding Brittney Griner wasn’t knocking our beautiful country,” he tweeted. “I was simply saying how she’s probably feeling emotionally along with so many other emotions, thoughts, etc inside that cage she’s been in for over 100+ days! Long story short #BringHerHome.”

My comments on “The Shop” regarding Brittney Griner wasn’t knocking our beautiful country. I was simply saying how she’s probably feeling emotionally along with so many other emotions, thoughts, etc inside that cage she’s been in for over 100+ days! Long story short #BringHerHome

— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 13, 2022

The Los Angeles Lakers player tweeted in June that everyone needs to “come together and help do whatever we possibly can” to bring Griner back home, according to Complex.

We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!! 🙏🏾 Our voice as athletes is stronger together. @uninterrupted 👑 #WeAreBG pic.twitter.com/2GWV3Ff81p

— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 6, 2022

“As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sport community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally,” James posted on Twitter, according to AZCentral. “It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home.”

“Join us in demanding that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris bring Brittney home swiftly and safely by taking action today.”

The post also steered his followers to consider three ways to help Griner.

Griner recently entered a guilty plea in a Russian court for transporting hash oil across customs borders and could face up to 10 years in prison. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday, according to Complex.

The U.S. could potentially use her guilty plea to negotiate her release.