WNBA Star Brittney Griner Admits Drug Charges in Russia

Summary

• Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to the drug charges against her  
• The US basketball star has been detained in Russia since February
• Max prison term of 10 years could be handed out

US basketball star Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges during her recent trial in Russia but the 31-year-old insisted she had no intentions to violate the law. 

Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), was arrested back in February at an airport in Moscow after authorities allegedly discovered vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. 

No Intent to Break the Law

On July 7, Russian news agencies reported that Griner pleaded guilty to the charges related to drug possession and smuggling but told the court through a translator that it was not done intentionally. Her statement suggested she was not able to check the items on her luggage as she was in a hurry packing her things.

According to Griner’s legal team, it was her decision to give the guilty plea. Her attorneys also hope that it will serve as a mitigating factor for her to avoid a severe sentence. The drug charges against Britney Griner carry a maximum jail term of 10 years. The basketball star will be back in court on July 14 for the next hearing of her case. 

Griner Fears She Won’t be Freed

Throughout her detention, the US has accused the Russian government of using Griner as a hostage amid the ongoing war in Ukraine which resulted in the West imposing multiple sanctions against Russia. The US government also considered Griner “wrongfully detained“. 

The Kremlin denied the allegation, maintaining that Griner is a “law breaker“. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also warned the US against making unnecessary public noise about the case as it would only disturb the court proceedings.

President Joe Biden also revealed that he received a letter from Griner telling him that she might no longer be able to come home. 

Prior to her trial, Griner’s family, including her wife Cherelle Griner, her colleagues, fans, and supporters had called on US leaders to swiftly bring her back to the country. President Biden assured them that they’re doing everything they can to secure her release as soon as possible. 

Griner is one of the most successful players in the WNBA, winning multiple titles in the league, on top of two Olympic gold medals. During the off-season, she would travel to Russia to participate in the EuroLeague, playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg. She’s been doing that for eight years.