Following a politically charged trial that came amid soaring tensions between Moscow and Washington over Ukraine, U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia.
In the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner, 31, is an eight-time all-star and two-time United States Olympic champion. She listened with a blank expression to Judge Anna Sotnikova’s verdict. A fine of 1 million rubles (about $16,000) was also imposed by the judge.
Griner apologized to her family, her teammates, her fans, and the Russian people, saying she hadn’t intended to hurt anyone or violate any Russian laws. She made an honest mistake, she said, and hoped the decision wouldn’t end her life here.
WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in Russia’s prison, As punishment for her drug smuggling
The majority of people keep talking about politics and pawns in court, but I hope that is far from the truth… I hope you take into account all the documents, all the character lists that everyone sent me… This is my second home, and all I wanted to do was win championships and make them proud.” she stated.
Joe Biden, the U.S. president, denounced the verdict and sentence as “unacceptable.”
In the same statement, Biden called on Russia to release Griner as soon as possible so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. He added he would continue to push for the release of Griner and Paul Whelan, another American imprisoned in Russia for espionage charges.
“I love my family,” Griner said to reporters after the verdict. Her lawyers reported that she was very emotional, stressed, and had difficulty speaking.
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A visibly emotional Griner had earlier requested leniency from the court when a conviction seemed all but certain. In February, when she flew to Moscow to play basketball in Yekaterinburg, she brought vape cartridges with cannabis oil but had no intention of breaking the law.
She apologized to the city, her teammates, her club, and her fans for the embarrassment that she caused. “I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.”
Under Russian law, the 31-year-old Brittney Griner faces up to 10 years in prison, but judges have considerable latitude on sentencing.
If she does not go free, attention will turn to the possibility of a high-stakes prisoner swap that was proposed last week by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to his Russian counterpart.
Her “second home” is Yekaterinburg, east of the Ural Mountains.
Over the 6 1/2 years that I spent here, I never imagined I would appreciate the team, the cities, the fans, or my teammates so much. My favorite part about the gym was seeing the little girls waiting on me when I left, and that’s what kept me coming back.”
According to the prosecutor, Griner packed the cannabis oil deliberately, and he requested an additional $16,700 fine in addition to the prison term.
WNBA off-season team Yekaterinburg, where Griner plays, and a doctor who prescribed cannabis for pain treatment following her basketball career injuries have sought to support Griner’s claims that she had no criminal intent.
Marisa Blagovolina, Griner’s lawyer, argued that she had used medical marijuana only in Arizona.
After a long flight, Griner was also suffering from the consequences of COVID-19 and packing in haste. The legality of Griner’s possession of cannabis was called into question by Blagovolina, who said the analysis done on the cannabis was flawed.
She emphasized Griner’s role in “developing Russian basketball” and sought acquittal from the court, noting her lack of criminal history.
In a separate defense attorney’s remarks, Alexander Boykov stated that Griner kept her Yekaterinburg team successful and admired her colleagues. Obviously, a conviction would undermine Russia’s efforts to develop its national sports and give the impression Moscow is only trying to make sports depoliticized.
In addition, Boykov noted that Griner gained the sympathy of both her guards and her fellow inmates, who proclaimed “Everything is going to be OK!” as she took outdoor walks at the jail after her arrest.
Before her trial began in July, the State Department declared her unfairly detained, and the State Department’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs became the primary hostage negotiator for the government.
Washington and Moscow have not had high-level contact since more than five months ago when Russia sent troops into Ukraine. U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin are at odds with the direct outreach over Griner.
Those familiar with the proposal say it envisions Griner and Whelan being exchanged for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout, who has served his time in prison in America. Griner’s release underscores the pressure the White House has faced from the public.
According to Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, Russia has made a counteroffer that isn’t taken as seriously by American officials. Her response was brief.
American statements about the case have been scoffed at by Russian officials, who believe the U.S. shows disrespect for Russian law. They kept a poker face, encouraging Washington not to make speculative announcements but instead engage in “quiet diplomacy.”
She wrote to the White House in a handwritten letter last month that she is terrified she may spend the rest of her life in prison in Russia.
WNBA player Brittney Griner wrote that being imprisoned in Russia “forever” is a terrifying prospect in a handwritten letter sent to the White House last month.
Cherelle Griner said on CBS Mornings that she could feel Griner’s fear after reading his letter.
“She is probably the strongest person that I know, so she doesn’t say words like that lightly. That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. You know, I share those same sentiments,” Cherelle said.
