Brittney Griner was convicted of drug possession and sentenced to 9 years in prison by a Russian court Thursday. The verdict came after an emotional Griner apologized for her actions as the trial wound down.
WNBA star Brittney Griner testified at her drug trial in Russia that an interpreter translated only a fraction of what was said during her arrest.for chronic pain and injuries sustained during her career and included a letter from her doctor. Griner testified she was aware cannabis oil was outlawed in Russia and had not intended to break the law or “plan to smuggle anything into Russia.”
Cherelle Griner, who also spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris, said she was “grateful to the both of them for the time they spent with me and for the commitment they expressed to getting BG home,” using her wife’s initials. The severity of Griner’s sentence could give Russia leverage in a swap by increasing pressure on Washington to negotiate her release.
Griner’s detention was made public only after Russian troops moved into Ukraine, as relations between Russia and the United States hit new lows after Washington led the West in bringing sanctions against Moscow. NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry wore Griner’s jersey under his track suit at the awards show and urged “the entire global sports community to continue to stay energized on her behalf. She’s one of us, the team of athletes in this room tonight and all over the world. A team that has nothing to do with politics or global conflict.”
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