Phoenix Mercury star and former number-one overall pick Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February after vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. The Russian media recently reported that her detention would be extended until May 19, with the WNBA season set to begin on May 6. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke out on the Griner situation and delivered a heartfelt message, per ESPN.

“Obviously, we're in a very complex geo-political situation with Russia, Ukraine,” Engelbert said. “We're getting a ton of support from the government, from specialists. Her representation is able to visit with Brittney, we know she's safe. But we want to get her home. We're following the advice … there's not a day that goes by that we're not talking to someone who has views on what we've been doing and how we're moving forward.

“I know we're all frustrated, but we do need to be patient. The players have been amazing at following the advice they're getting and we're getting in order not to jeopardize her safety in any way.”

Engelbert said she told the players the same thing that she has always told her own daughter.

“I would go to the end of the Earth to help you if you're ever in trouble,” Engelbert said. “And I say the same thing about Brittney Griner.”

The WNBA commissioner spoke about how complex the situation is in Russia, considering the war times with Ukraine. However, Engelbert did note that they know Griner is safe and that they're doing everything they can to “bring her home.”

Griner, who was in Russia to play club basketball before the WNBA season, could face up to five to ten years in prison. However, Engelbert and the WNBA will “go to the ends of the Earth” to prevent that from happening to the Mercury star.