Brittney Griner arrest: GOP congressmen urge Biden admin to stand up to 'bully' Putin amid star's detention

In the wake of WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., called on the Biden administration to send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, letting him know Americans will not be held as political pawns in the midst of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

"Today, we write to you regarding the unfortunate case of Women's National Basketball Association (W.N.B.A) star Center Brittney Griner who remains in a Russian prison for violating the country's illegal substance laws," the Congress members wrote. "Every American – regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status – must adhere to the rules of every sovereign nation. While we are not here to call balls and strikes on Russian law, we are very concerned about Mrs. Griner’s detention under the current and rapidly deteriorating circumstances in Russia and Eastern Europe.