WNBA star sentenced to nine years in penal colony
Call took place after public acknowledgment of deal to secure U.S. citizens release
Blinken's statement marked the first public acknowledgment that the American government had taken action to secure the release of Griner
The shoe drive was originally an initiative by Griner to help those in need in the Phoenix metropolitan area
Brittney Griner remains detained in Russia
WNBA star has been detained since February
"I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees," Griner said in her letter Monday
Detained WNBA star's trial began in Russia on July 1
WNBA star faces up to 10 years in prison
The U.S. government “is actively engaged in trying to resolve this case and get Brittney home,” the White House said