WNBA star Brittney Griner has just been sentenced to nine years in prison in Russia after she was found guilty of drug possession and smuggling.
President Joe Biden is now reacting to shocking news this Thursday. He released a statement saying, “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” Biden said.
He added, “It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates,” Biden wrote in the statement. “My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
As we previously reported, the 31-year-old who plays professional basketball for the Phoenix Mercury was detained on Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki as she returned to Russia to play during the WNBA’s offseason. While there, she was accused of having vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in the country. Her family has repeatedly called on the White House to secure her release. Amid growing calls to have her get out, the US has even offered a prisoner exchange in order to bring the WNBA player and Paul Whelan home, but it looks like Russia didn’t care too much.
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.”
Following months of being in jail, the two-time Olympic gold medalist appeared in court Thursday for the final hearing in her trial, and was looking at up to 10 years in prison but was handed down 9 1/2 years as they added time served. Griner now has a right to appeal.
We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.