Brittney Griner sentenced by Russian court to 9 years in prison
President Biden said Russia is 'wrongfully detaining Brittney' and called on Moscow to release her immediately.
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President Biden said Russia is 'wrongfully detaining Brittney' and called on Moscow to release her immediately.
While the Mercury star was found guilty of drug smuggling and sentenced to nine years by a Russian court, her teammates remain focused on bringing Griner home.
KHIMKI, Russia -- U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to nine years behind bars in a politically charged case that could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between Washington and Moscow.
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, but her lawyers said later she was “very upset.” Griner also was fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700).
US basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to nine years behind bars in a politically charged case that could lead to a high-stakes prisoner exchange between Washington and M