U.S officials determine Griner being wrongfully detained
The Biden administration has determined that WNBA star Brittney Griner is being wrongfully detained in Russia, meaning the United States will more aggressively work to secure her release even as the legal case against her plays out, the State Department said Tuesday.
“The U.S. government will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner,” the department said.
Griner was detained at an airport in February after Russian authorities said a search of her bag revealed vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis.
Since then, U.S. officials had stopped short of classifying the Phoenix Mercury player as wrongfully detained and said instead that their focus was on ensuring that she had access in jail to American consular affairs officials.
Now, though, U.S. officials have shifted supervision of her case to a State Department section — the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs — that is focused on negotiating for the release of hostages and other Americans classified as being wrongfully detained in other countries. A consular officer did visit in March.
It was unclear what prompted the shift in approach to Griner’s case, though President Joe Biden’s administration had been under pressure from members of Congress and others to make her release a priority.
Tyler Herro was announced as the NBA’s top sixth man this season, the first player to win the award as a member of the Miami Heat.
Saints, Mathieu agree to contract
The New Orleans Saints and Tyrann Mathieu agreed to a three-year, $33-million contract, reuniting the AllPro safety with his hometown team, a person familiar with the terms told the Associated Press.
The person confirmed the contract, first reported by ESPN.com, on the condition of anonymity because it was not yet signed. It includes $18 million guaranteed, a sizable investment for a safety who turns 30 next week.
The Atlanta Falcons picked up right guard Chris Lindstrom’s $13.2-million fifth-year option while declining the option on right tackle Kaleb McGary. The Falcons also announced a three-year, $51-million contract extension with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett ,a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
The Ducks announced that the club named Rob DiMaio assistant general manager. He will also serve as the general manager of the San Diego Gulls, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League . ... Maple Leafs forward Kyle Clifford was given a one-game suspension for a boarding incident in Toronto’s playoff-opening win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.
Novak Djokovic looked sharp in his opener at the Madrid Open, defeating
Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 to advance to a third-round match against Andy Murray . ... Two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson announced his retirement from professional tennis at age 35.
Former USC wide receiver Bru McCoy is transferring to Tennessee, he announced on social media . ... Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison, a rising junior and the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s top receiver, is in the NCAA transfer portal.
Liverpool rallied after an early scare to defeat Villarreal 3-2 and advance to its third Champions League final in five seasons. Liverpool will play the May 28 final in Paris against either Premier League rival Manchester City or 13-time European champion Real Madrid.