As we previously reported, a verdict in Brittney Griner’s drug-smuggling case in Russia will reportedly be made this Thursday with prosecutors seeking 9.5 years of jail time, per CNN.
During her court appearance today, The WNBA star apologized for her actions and reportedly begged for leniency while asking the court to take into consideration her good character. She said, “Russia became my second home. I remember vividly coming out of the gym and all the little girls coming out and waiting on me. That’s what kept making me come back here.”
She continued, “’I want to apologize to my teammates, my club and the city for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought. I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, Phoenix Mercury, the amazing women of the WNBA and my amazing spouse back at home.” She added, “I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws. I made an honest mistake and I hope that your ruling doesn’t end my life. I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics…but I hope that it’s far from this courtroom.”
UPDATE — The verdict is in and the basketball star has just been found guilty on drug charges in a Moscow-area court today.
What Happened With Griner?
As we previously reported, the 31-year-old was arrested at a Moscow airport and accused by Russian prosecutors of trying to smuggle less than 1 gram of cannabis oil into her luggage. The two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist pleaded guilty to drug charges last month in what her lawyers say was an attempt to take responsibility and receive a less harsher sentencing if she was ultimately convicted.
However, the US State Department maintains Griner is wrongfully detained. The US has even called on Russia to free WNBA player Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan, offering to free convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. Her wife and supporters have called for her release and asked the US to take further steps to try to free her from the country.
We will continue to keep you updated as this breaking story develops.