Megan Rapinoe pays tribute to Brittney Griner while receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom

(CNN)As she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest civilian honor in the United States

Megan Rapinoe paid tribute to detained WNBA star Brittney Griner

wearing a cream blazer with the initials 'BG' and a bunch of flowers embroidered onto the lapel.

"The most important part of the day...BG we love you,"

Rapinoe said in an Instagram story alongside a close-up picture of the embroidery detail.

Griner has been held in Russia since February on accusations of drug smuggling

and is officially classified as "wrongfully detained," a US State Department official told CNN in May.

On Thursday, the same day as Rapinoe received the Medal of Freedom

Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court.

Supporters of the Phoenix Mercury star have called for her release over fears

she is being used as a political pawn amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- a sentiment echoed by Rapinoe.

"BG is a being used as a political pawn and we need to bring her hom

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is assassinated at a campaign rally