According to Griner’s lawyers, Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine-years in a Russian penal colony. She was convicted of bringing illegal drugs into the United States. The sentencing of Griner has left many in the U.S. outraged, including President Joe Biden, who condemned the outcome of the WNBA star’s trial.
“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,”Read the White House statement. “It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”
The harsh sentencing took place live on U.S. cable news networks.
Griner was calm as she listened to the fate of her case from the Khimki courtroom in Moscow. Griner is also required by law to pay a $16,300 penalty. “Yes, I understand your honor,”She spoke English.
Griner was accused of deliberately smuggling drugs into Russia. The judge believed Griner, which she denied. She appeared solemn and seemed to shake her head. “no.”
The 31-year-old basketball great’s earlier pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears, ever as she wiped away tears.
“I want the court to understand that this was an honest mistake that I made while rushing, under stress, trying to recover from COVID and just trying to get back to my team,”Griner stated. Her arrest was made after it was discovered that she had packed vape cartridges into her luggage as she traveled to Russia in February.
She claimed that the vape cartridges contained 0.7 grams cannabis oil and were not intended to be brought to Russia. Griner used cannabis only as medicine while she was in Arizona, which has medical marijuana legal.
“I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom,”She said. “I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn’t end my life here.”
Griner pleaded guilty to all charges, but stated that she didn’t intend to break Russian law. Griner’s defense team claimed Griner feared the worst, and called her Thursday. “doomsday.”