Brittney Griner, WNBA star, receives 9-year sentence in Russian prison

Unfortunate news was released today that Brittney Griner, U.S. citizen and basketball star, was found guilty of smuggling a marijuana oil cartridge into Russian territory. Griner’s harsh conviction of nine years behind bars leads many to believe Russia’s using this case a political statement to the United States due to the war with ally Ukraine.  

Six months ago, CNN reported that Griner was arrested and taken into custody by Russian police in Moscow Airport after a luggage search found a marijuana substance in her bag. Throughout that time Griner’s family, friends, teammates, and supporters around the globe have stood up and advocated for the U.S. to find a way to bring Griner back to the states and solve the unfair punishment.  Follow SpotLife Asia for the latest news and updates.

After talks with Russian officials it was apparent that Russia was willing to make a trade in which Griner and another political prisoner, Paul Whelan, would be released back to the U.S. in return for a Russian arms dealer known as ‘The Merchant of Death’, Viktor Bout, as reported by CNN.  

According to CNN, Griner read a letter of apology to the court before the judge announced the verdict.  

Griner’s letter said, “I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here.” 

This media frenzy surrounding the court case drags much of the attention toward war in Ukraine as Griner took notice of in the letter.  

“I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics,” Griner noted, “but I hope that, that is far from this courtroom.”  

Many of Griner’s peers have expressed their anger and sadness as the news came out today. CNN reported that Griner’s coach, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Vanessa Nygaard, was asked about the devastating news today. 

“It’s just heartbreaking. We know this verdict is unacceptable. But that doesn’t make it sound any better. To hear her words and her apologies. Just trying to send love, prayers and strength to her.”  

According to CNN, Griner’s defense team released the timeline of ten days that they’re able to appeal her verdict.  

All eyes look to the Biden administration to see what response will be taken to bring Griner and Whelan home. Stay tuned for more information here at spotlifeasia.com on Griner’s case.