Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James clarifies Brittney Griner comments

LeBron James is having to check himself after comments he made about the effort the U.S. government is making to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner home from Russia. 

In a preview of an upcoming episode of "The Shop," James is briefly shown being asked about Griner, who has been in custody in Russia since February. 

"Over 110 days, now how could she feel like America has her back?" James said in the clip. "I would be feeling like, 'Do I even want to go back to America?'"

James, who has been a very vocal advocate for bringing Griner home, later added clarity to the clip, saying he wasn't trying to throw shade at the government.

"My comments on 'The Shop' regarding Brittney Griner wasn't knocking our beautiful country," James wrote in a social media post "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!"

The White House announced last week that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were in contact with Griner's wife and family as part of the ongoing effort to bring the basketball player home. 

Griner was arrested in February while going to play for a team in Russia during the WNBA offseason.  She is currently standing trial for entering the country with vapor cartridges containing hashish oil.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Islanders climb nine spots to No. 1 pick with stunning lottery win
Oilers get good news and bad news on Mattias Ekholm
Why Cavs HC Kenny Atkinson might not want to celebrate COY win
Ravens downplay Justin Tucker's release with a tone-deaf statement
Astros place key slugger on injured list
Michigan HC Sherrone Moore to be suspended two games
'It makes sense': Steelers see new Aaron Rodgers conspiracy theory emerge as team waits for 2025 decision
Marc-Andre Fleury joining Canada for World Championship
One-time All-Star pitcher announces retirement
Kings, GM Rob Blake mutually part ways
Buddy Hield lifts Warriors to massive Game 7 win over Rockets
Jazz agree to long-term extension with HC Will Hardy
Patriots legends rip Giants' Abdul Carter over Lawrence Taylor number request
LSU coach makes big guarantee about what Will Campbell will offer Patriots
Warren Moon has strong message for Shedeur Sanders
Jordan Spieth has sobering take on Scottie Scheffler
Watch: Jets eliminate Blues in instant classic double OT Game 7 win
Pacers use balanced attack vs. Cavaliers to steal home-court advantage
Fever's Caitlin Clark dazzles in preseason debut vs. Brazil
Scottie Scheffler wins CJ Cup Byron Nelson in historic fashion

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.