U.S. State Department Demanding Russia Allow Them To See Brittney Griner

Russia is being demanded by the U.S. State Department to allow its officials to see the basketball player.

In a statement released to AP on Friday, the U.S. State Dept. said it was "insisting" that Russia give consular access to the man.

It is the first time the U.S. State Department has used her name publicly.

You will recall, when the State Dept. Secretary Antony Blinken was asked about her case less than two weeks ago, but he wouldn't say anything more.

The officials finally acknowledged in their statement that they are closely engaged in the case.

In February, we reported on the case of Griner, who has been held in Russia since February after being accused of having drugs in her luggage.

The court denied the request for her to be released on house arrest. She is expected to return to court on May 19 when she is expected to remain in Russia.

The situation with Griner in Russia has been complicated by the State Department suspending operations at embassies in Russia near where he is being held.

Our sources say that Griner wants to return to the U.S. as soon as possible.