Russian Court finds WNBA Star Brittney Griner guilty on drug charges
A judge in Russia has sentenced WNBA Star Brittney Griner to 9 years in prison on drug smuggling and possession charges. The daunting, but expected verdict comes after a month-long trial and nearly six months after the basketball player was arrested at the Sheremetyevo Moscow airport with cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage.
Although Griner pleaded guilty last month, her defense attorney called for her to be acquitted, or for the court to show leniency in any punishment she’s given, saying that she put the cannabis in her bag by mistake and that Griner had a medical marijuana card in Arizona to help her cope with injuries sustained over years of competition. However, personal cannabis possession is illegal under any circumstances in Russia and prosecutors asked for a sentence of 9 ½ years.
In their closing arguments, Griner’s legal team cited Griner’s contribution to the growth of Russian women’s basketball and detailed irregularities in her arrest and detention, which included a lack of access to qualified translators, among others.
Griner also spoke on her own behalf, stating, “I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t end my life here.” In her final statement Griner reiterated that she never intended to break any laws or hurt anyone.
She apologized to her Russian teammates for any damage she may have caused, adding that the country was her second home and that, “all I wanted was to win championships and make them proud.”
Hours later, Judge Anna Sotnikova, returned to announce Griner had been found guilty of drug possession and smuggling. The 31-year-old athlete will also have to pay a fine of 1 million rubles ($16,590 USD), but can appeal the verdict.
“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.” President Joe Biden said in a statement shortly after the verdict was announced.
“It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Attention now will turn to the possibility of a prisoner swap, as a conviction is usually required for the Kremlin to issue a pardon or reduce a sentence. The U.S. government has proposed the release of Griner and another American citizen, Paul Whelan – who is serving a 16-year sentence for espionage – in exchange for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
