Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star, was convicted on drug charges in Russia. Hours later, her teammates had a game. “Nobody even wanted to play today ...

In May, the U.S. State Department said that it had determined that Griner was “wrongfully detained” and that its officials would work to free her. The Mercury lost the game, 77-64, with an 18-0 Sun run in the third and fourth quarters that put the game out of reach. “We’ll wake up tomorrow, and B.G. will still be in a Russian jail,” Nygaard said. Mercury players donned the “We are BG” shirts in pregame warm-ups, as did the Connecticut coaching staff and several Sun players. “It was like, ‘Dang, we did that, and now I got to go play basketball; my friend is still locked up overseas,’” Jones said. Fans chanted “We are B.G.” and “Bring her home.” They watched with tear-filled eyes as Griner fought through her own tears and pleaded with a Russian court not to “end her life” for an “honest mistake.” Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony and fined 1 million rubles, or about $16,000. So to see it happen to one of my teammates and be so close to it and understand that it could’ve been me, it puts it into perspective.” How are we even supposed to approach the game and approach the court with a clear mind when the whole group is crying before the game?” “It was like you’re waiting for a bomb to drop,” Mercury guard Diamond DeShields said. Griner has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17 after customs officials said they found hashish oil, a cannabis derivative, in Griner’s luggage at an airport near Moscow when she was traveling to the country to play for UMMC Yekaterinburg, a professional women’s basketball team. The most atypical moment of the night for Nygaard happened moments before tipoff, as the lights dimmed and players, coaches and referees locked arms in solidarity for 42 seconds — matching the number of Griner’s jersey.

Brittney Griner has been found guilty of drug possession and smuggling and was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison, an expected conclusion to her ...

He came home this April after the countries agreed to a prisoner swap that American officials sought when Reed was reported to be in poor health. Griner's agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas tweeted that the sentence "was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn." I never meant to break any laws here," she said. "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. "But I had no intent to break any Russian laws." "I never meant to hurt anybody. I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population. Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers said they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. But she and her supporters have also been aware that Russia was not going to move forward with a trade that could bring her home until her trial was completed. I understand everything that's being said against me, the charges that are against me, and that is why I pled guilty," Griner said, addressing the judge through an interpreter from her defendant's cage. Defense attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was "very upset, very stressed. It's a difficult time for her."

American basketball star Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of drug possession and smuggling in Russian court on ...

Griner testified she was aware cannabis oil was outlawed in Russia and had not intended to break the law or "plan to smuggle anything into Russia." ... It is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home to the United States." The game was to be preceded by a 42-second moment of silence — 42 is Griner's number. Biden later called Cherelle Griner "to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittney's release as soon as possible," the White House said July 6. She was the No. 1 pick by Phoenix in the 2013 draft. The U.S. State Department had earlier declared Griner to be "wrongfully detained" — a charge that Russia has sharply rejected. A team that has nothing to do with politics or global conflict." Griner's agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas tweeted that the sentence "was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn." She also said she was not informed of her rights. Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers say they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. But I had no intention of breaking any Russian law." Defence attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was "very upset, very stressed.

The US and Russia have indicated they are ready to hold talks over a prisoner swap, a day after basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted of drug ...

Earlier Friday, a US State Department official told reporters there had been no "serious response" from Russia on a proposed swap. Prior to the verdict on Thursday, Griner apologized to the court and asked for leniency in an emotional speech. And we'll be pursuing that," Blinken told reporters at a press briefing.

A Russian court found Brittney Griner guilty on drug smuggling and possession charges. She was sentenced to more than nine years in prison.

The White House has urged Russia to accept its offer of a deal for the release of Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.

That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. You know, I share those same sentiments," Cherelle said. Blinken has said Washington put forward a "substantial proposal" for the exchange of Griner and Whelan. In a handwritten letter from Griner that was delivered to the White House last month, the WNBA player wrote how terrified she is that she may be imprisoned in Russia "forever." The White House has urged Russia to accept its offer of a deal for the release of Griner and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. Russia said Friday it was "ready to discuss" a prisoner swap with Washington at the presidential level, a day after the drug conviction of U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner.

Brittney Griner, who was in Russia to play for a local team during the WNBA off-season, was detained over vape carriages containing cannabis oil in her ...

The weapons: Ukraine is making use of weapons such as Javelin antitank missiles and Switchblade “kamikaze” drones, provided by the United States and other allies. Russia has used an array of weapons against Ukraine, some of which have drawn the attention and concern of analysts. Russia appears set to resume ground offensives, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu telling troops on Saturday to intensify attacks “in all operational sectors” of Ukraine.

The Kremlin said Friday that it's open to talking about a possible prisoner exchange involving American basketball star Brittney Griner but strongly warned ...

He said: "If we discuss any nuances related to the issue of exchange via media, no exchange will ever take place." Griner was arrested as she was returning to play for a team in Russia, where she has competed since 2014. "The Americans often have trouble observing agreements on calm and professional work." "We were separated by just one person at the discussion table, but I didn't feel his desire to catch me. The politically charged case comes amid high tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia's military action in Ukraine. "If the Americans again try to engage in public diplomacy and make loud statements about their intention to take certain steps, it's their business, I would even say their problem," Lavrov said.

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut—Following Brittney Griner's sentencing in Russia to nine years in prison Thursday, Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) ...

We approached the game tonight with a heavy heart, as we have every game this season.” You try to honor her and still play hard for her. “Obviously, it’s devastating,” DeShields said. Right now, we still got to try and keep her spirit alive. “Nobody wanted to even play today,” said Phoenix guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, who scored 16 points to lead the Mercury. “How are you supposed to approach the game and court with a clear mind? Honor her spirit.”

Celebrities including Trevor Noah, Justin Bieber and Jada Pinkett Smith spoke out after Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison.

"My heart breaks for Brittney Griner, her wife & her family," Sherri Shepherd tweeted. "The Russian judge ignored everything (Brittney) Griner had stated," Mia Farrow tweeted. "He sentenced her to 9 years in a ‘penal colony’. For carrying 2 vaping cartridges - medically prescribed. I miss food in Alcatraz.' " "It seems like they win, but don't forget: That person now has to live in Russia. They'll get there and be like, 'This whole country is prison. "We all know Russia doesn’t care about what Brittney Griner did.

The W.N.B.A. star Brittney Griner's friends and colleagues expressed support and sadness for her after a Russian court found her guilty of attempting to ...

“It makes me sick that that was the decision,” Jackson said. Doing so will give you access to the work of over 1,700 journalists whose mission is to cover the world and make sure you have accurate and impartial information on the most important topics of the day. I’d like to thank you for reading The Times and encourage you to support journalism like this by becoming a subscriber. On Aug. 4, she was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony. Dijonai Carrington of the Connecticut Sun tweeted “praying so hard for BG.” “Just really feeling sad and feeling sick for Brittney and hoping that she gets home as soon as possible,” said Breanna Stewart, a four-time W.N.B.A. All-Star who had played with Griner on the Russian team UMMC Yekaterinburg since 2020. Debbie Jackson, Griner’s high school basketball coach, held back tears after learning of Griner’s verdict. Her trial began on July 1 and the conviction had been widely expected. In February, Russian authorities detained Brittney Griner, an American basketball player, on drug charges, after she was stopped at an airport near Moscow. Since then, her detention has been repeatedly extended. Griner has been detained in Russia since Feb. 17, when Russian customs officials at an airport near Moscow said they found hashish oil in vape cartridges in her luggage. Ms. Griner’s trial began on July 1; she pleaded guilty. The W.N.B.A. star Brittney Griner’s friends and colleagues expressed support and sadness for her after a Russian court found her guilty of attempting to smuggle illegal narcotics into Russia and sentenced her to nine years in a penal colony.

After Griner received nine-year prison sentence on drug charges, Sergei Lavrov warns Russia won't tolerate 'megaphone diplomacy'

“These swaps will never happen if we start discussing any nuances of the exchange in the press,” he told reporters on Friday. “I know everybody keeps talking about ‘political pawn’ and ‘politics’, but I hope that is far from this courtroom,” Griner said in a closing statement on Thursday. But Lavrov also warned that Russia would not respond to “megaphone diplomacy”, demanding that any negotiations be carried out discreetly.

U.S. officials and analysts had been resigned to a guilty verdict for Ms. Griner, a basketball star who plays for a Russian team during the W.N.B.A. off-season.

But the cold reality of her sentence on a drug charge was a shock and renewed calls for Mr. Biden to secure her release — even as critics fumed that offering to swap prisoners with Moscow rewards Russian hostage-taking. And this just puts a target on the back of every American out there.” And former President Donald J. Trump, who when in office prided himself on freeing detained Americans abroad, slammed the proposed deal in crude terms. Her wife, Cherelle Griner, has made public pleas for Mr. Biden to cut a deal with Mr. Putin as soon as possible. The White House would not say how Mr. Biden might achieve that goal, however. It’s about simultaneously raising the pain for him.” He could seek new ways to make Mr. Putin suffer. “We think it’s important for their families to know how hard we’re working on this.” That was before Mr. Biden’s proposal to free Mr. Bout became public. On Aug. 4, she was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in a penal colony. On Friday, Mr. Lavrov told reporters that the two nations would continue discussing the issue through established channels. But it appeared to leave the Kremlin unmoved.

Tomi Lahren, the conservative media commentator has been tough on WNBA star Brittney Griner on twitter after she got sentenced to nine years in Russian ...

, and she doubled down by saying that this was a win for Griner. And as soon as the news of Griner's sentence was known, Tomi Lahren tweeted that her situation was a "cautionary tale" while saying that if Griner thought that the United States of America was "oppressive" she's now finding out what "No justice looks like", while also using sarcasm as a grinding tool she also mentioned it was "too bad too sad". After Brittney Griner gave a heartfelt plea in court she was sentenced to nine years in prison after she pleaded guilty to drug possession in July. She was initially detained in February of this year when she entered the country and the airport officials found an electronic vaporizer pen with less than one gram of cannabis oil.

Brittney Griner, 31, is a two-time Olympic champion and star player in the Women's National Basketball Association (WBNA). ADVERTISEMENT. Standing 206 cm ( ...

She testified that she did not understand how the cartridges could have ended up in her luggage. Medical marijuana is a common treatment method among athletes where the substance is legal given that it has fewer side effects than some painkillers. Griner had a prescription in the United States for medical marijuana to relieve the pain from chronic injuries. Who is Brittney Griner and what is her fate? EXPLAINER: Who is Brittney Griner and what is her fate in Russia? She was flying there to join her team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States.

Griner was detained by Russian authorities on February 17th for transporting “vape cartridges containing cannabis oil” en route to play in Yekaterinburg. “ ...

Griner has been the subject of a prisoner swap debate between the United States and Russia. WNBA star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for drug possession and smuggling. Griner was detained by Russian authorities on February 17th for transporting “vape cartridges containing cannabis oil” en route to play in Yekaterinburg.

The detained WNBA star Brittney Griner apologized and asked for leniency in an emotional speech to a Russian courtroom in her drug-smuggling trial Thursday ...

Blagovolina also told CNN her team's experts identified "a few defects" in the machines used to measure the substance. Those rights would include access to an attorney once she was detained and the right to know what she was suspected of. "To hear her words and her apologies. Boykov also argued Griner had no opportunity to properly examine the court documents. All this confirms the complete absence of intent in her actions, Blagovolina argued. "What Vladimir Putin is trying to do is basically drive up the bargaining price of Ms. Griner." Near the end of the tribute, spectators started chanting, "Bring her home! We are BG," the statement reads. He said the US is working to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American citizen who has been held by Russia for alleged espionage since 2018. The defense team is hopeful that Griner will be able to talk to her family next week. Blagovolina added that Griner will return to the detention center where she is being held. Judge Anna Sotnikova of the Khimki city court delivered the sentence and fined Griner 1 million rubles, or about $16,400.

Griner sentenced and fined 1m roubles in politically charged verdict that could lead to prisoner swap with the US.

“I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population. “I never meant to hurt anybody,” Griner said in her closing statement. He claimed that the US said Russia offered a trade for Bout in 2020 shortly after Whelan’s conviction on spying charges. US officials say Russia wants to swap Griner and Paul Whelan, a former US marine arrested on spying charges in 2020, for the convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. The exchange at an airfield in Turkey recalled a cold war thriller, as the two men walked past each other to board planes back to their respective countries. Griner’s defence team said they were “disappointed” by the verdict and would appeal.

MOSCOW — A Russian court has found Brittney Griner guilty on drug smuggling and possession charges. The widely expected verdict comes after a monthlong ...

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Joe Biden calls the sentence against the WNBA star, who was arrested at a Moscow airport in February, 'unacceptable'.

“I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag,” she told the court on July 27. She apologised to her family, teammates, and her spouse. Blinken said on Thursday the sentence against Griner “further compounds the injustice of her wrongful detention”, promising to continue to push to bring her “home”. “Taking into account the amount of the substance – not to mention the defects of the expertise – and the plea, the verdict is absolutely unreasonable,” her defence team said in a statement. “I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never intended to break Russian law,” Griner said through a translator while standing in the metal cage reserved for defendants in Russian courtrooms. Sotnikova had said on Thursday that Griner committed the crime “deliberately”. But Griner had testified during the trial it was a mistake.

WNBA star Brittney Griner was arrested in Moscow in February after vape cartridges with cannabis oil were found in her luggage.

Russian media have speculated repeatedly that Griner could be swapped for Bout, nicknamed 'the Merchant of Death', who is serving a 25-year sentence in the US after being convicted of conspiracy to kill US citizens and providing aid to a terrorist organisation. On July 27, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington has offered a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home Griner and Whelan in a sharp reversal of previous policy. Her lawyers introduced evidence that Griner was using the medicinal cannabis for chronic pain and injuries sustained during her career and included a letter from her doctor. She was the No 1 pick by Phoenix in the 2013 draft. ... It is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home." Her plight has been highlighted by supporters at home, including top athletes, especially after little news emerged about her initial weeks of detention in Russia, where she had limited access to US diplomats. The US State Department had earlier declared Griner to be "wrongfully detained" - a charge that Russia has sharply rejected. She also said she was not informed of her rights. Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers say they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said last month the "necessary judicial procedures" must be completed before other steps can be taken. Defence attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was "very upset, very stressed. It's a difficult time for her".

Griner, 31, admitted possessing cannabis oil but told the court she made an "honest mistake". But the court convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics, ...

"It's a serious proposal. When we saw Brittney on Tuesday, we told her, 'See you on Thursday'. She said, 'See you on doomsday'. So it looks like she was right." We urge them to accept it. Griner also said she had received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer in the initial hours of her detention, and that she had to use a translation app on her phone to communicate. "She can hardly talk. She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.