WNBA's Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison on drug charges

The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova. The judge also fined 1 million rubles fine.

Under Russian law, the 31-year-old Griner faced up to 10 years in prison, but judges have considerable latitude on sentencing. Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center and two-time Olympic gold medalist have sought to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage by mistake. They presented character witnesses from the Yekaterinburg team that she plays for in the WNBA offseason and written testimony from a doctor who said he prescribed her cannabis for pain treatment from injuries sustained in her basketball career.

Blagovolina asked the court to acquit Griner, noting that she had no past criminal record and hailing her role in "the development of Russian basketball." Before her trial began in July, the State Department designated her as "wrongfully detained," moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

People familiar with the proposal say it envisions trading Griner and Whelan for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout, who is serving a prison sentence in the United States. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released.

So sad to hear. Griner is paying a terrible price for what Is more political due to US support of Ukraine. One has to wonder if Putin had anything to do with this harsh sentence.

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Brittney Griner: WNBA star back in Russian court on cannabis chargeWNBA star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release. We don’t want him back Keep him.
Source: FOX10Phoenix - 🏆 83. / 68 Read more »

Former Baylor star Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeKHIMKI, Russia — American basketball star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to...
Source: dallasnews - 🏆 18. / 71 Read more »

Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeIf convicted, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison.
Source: SpectrumNews1TX - 🏆 333. / 59 Read more »

Brittney Griner back in Russian court on cannabis chargeAmerican basketball star Brittney Griner is back in court for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release. While people with the same charge in America sit in prison. 🤡
Source: wjxt4 - 🏆 246. / 63 Read more »

Russian Prosecutors Suggest 9.5 Year Sentence for Brittney Griner, Who Says She Made 'an Honest Mistake'A verdict is expected later today, and a conviction is all but certain. Outrageous.
Source: Jezebel - 🏆 153. / 63 Read more »