The phones at the U.S. Embassy were unstaffed, so no one was able to pick up the calls of the basketball player. There is a time and a place for this.
An attempt to connect on the couple's anniversary failed because of an "unfortunate mistake," according to Biden administration officials.
The State Department was trying to arrange a new call, but the White House did not say when that would be. State Department spokesman Ned Price said Saturday's call couldn't be completed because of alogistical error that officials have worked quickly to fix so that a new call can take place.
On Saturday, the fourth anniversary of the couple's marriage, they were to speak for the first time since she was arrested in Russia. The call would have been routed through the American embassy in Russia.
Cherelle said that no call came. She said that her wife tried to call her through the embassy 11 times but that no one picked up because the desk was unstaffed.
The problem was compounded by staffing limitations at the embassy, including technicians that are located in a third country because of the Russian government's restrictions on the embassy.
A senior State Department official said on Tuesday that the call was supposed to go through the Marine Guard station at the embassy.
Jean-Pierre said that the Department of State was working to correct the mistake as soon as possible.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time WNBA All-Star, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was arrested at a Russian airport in February for possession of cannabis oil.
Her case was moved under the supervision of the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs after the State Department designated her as wrongly imprisoned. Tass reported last week that her confinement had been extended.
The State Department has been in touch with Mrs. Griner, but Jean-Pierre didn't know if President Joe Biden would meet with her. She spoke with the Secretary. Any American who is held overseas is a priority for the president.
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