CNN
—
At the presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honor in the United States – Megan Rapinoe honored incarcerated WNBA star Brittney Griner in a cream blazer with the initials “BG” and a bouquet on the lapel.
“The most important part of the day… BG we love you,” Rapinoe said in an Instagram story alongside a close-up image of the embroidery detail.
Griner has been held in Russia since February on charges of drug smuggling and is officially classified as “wrongly detained,” a US State Department official told CNN in May.
On Thursday, the same day Rapinoe received the Freedom Medal, Griner pleaded guilty to drug-related charges in a Russian court.
Supporters of the Phoenix Mercury star have called for her release over fears she will be used as a political pawn during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – a sentiment echoed by Rapinoe.
“BG is being used as a political pawn and we need to bring it to life [sic] immediately,” she wrote in an Instagram story.
“This request doesn’t change the fact that @potus needs it and is working hard to bring her home. From what I understand she had to ask to keep the process going to get her home as soon as possible. BG we are with you.”
Some have speculated that Griner could be released and brought back to the US as part of a prisoner swap, as has Trevor Reed, an American veteran who was held in Russia for three years before his release in April. There is no indication that such a swap is imminent in the Griner case.
Still, before a possible prisoner swap, Griner was expected to be convicted and also admitted his guilt, a senior US official told CNN. Just days before his release, Reed was required to sign a document acknowledging his guilt — something he had resisted for most of his incarceration, the officer said.
“It’s part of the show and the document has no legal force or effect in the United States. It’s practically meaningless,” said Jonathan Franks, spokesman for the Reed family.
Rapinoe received the Medal of Freedom along with 16 other recipients, including Olympic athlete Simone Biles.
In a speech introducing the star footballer, President Joe Biden praised Rapinoe’s role in securing equal pay for the women’s team and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
“I am humbled and truly honored to have been selected by President Biden for this award, and feel as inspired and motivated as ever to continue this long history of fighting for the freedoms of all,” Rapinoe said in a statement.
“To quote Emma Lazarus, ‘Until we are all free, none of us is free.'”