Brittney Griner is a former WNBA superstar who pleaded guilty drug smuggling. In 2016, she was detained in Russia and sentenced to nine-years in prison. Before she became famous, Griner was a high school star who led the United States women's basketball team to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Griner's unfortunate turn in Griner's tale is disappointing, but Griner has made a smart decision and has begun her sentence in prison.
WNBA player brittney griner pleaded guilty drug smuggling
The WNBA star was taken into custody in February. She pleaded guilty for drug smuggling. She was sentenced three years in prison. The remainder of her sentence will be served in a Russian prison. In her guilty plea, Griner acknowledged she was involved in smuggling drugs, but insisted she had no intention of breaking the law.
She was held in Russia in 2016
Despite her international fame, Griner has not been silenced by her arrest. Although Griner's supporters have called for Griner to be released, her husband and team remain silent. In a statement, they said they do not have "political knowledge" of Griner's arrest. Russian authorities have a strict anti-drug culture. Griner's arrest however has caused her considerable embarrassment. The WNBA has not done anything to help her.
She was instrumental in leading the United States women’s hockey team to victory in Rio Olympics.
Griner has won multiple gold medals despite being only twenty-one years old. She was part the USA women's basketball squad in Rio de Janeiro. They beat Spain 101 to 72 in the gold-medal game. In 2011, she won a FIBA World Cup gold medal. She has won many national and international honors over the years, including All-Tournament Team, Most Valuable Player in Gold Medal Game, and numerous other international honors.
She was sentenced with nine years imprisonment
The U.S. government has declared Griner a "wrongful detainee" and is working to get her back. Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson has been assigned to help. Richardson has extensive experience as a hostage negotiator, and will immediately begin working to get Griner back. Griner is currently under the care of a consular officers. The consular officer visited Griner on May 19, and said that Griner was doing well despite the difficult circumstances. Griner's rights are being respected and Griner is being given more access by the State Department.
Now, her fate depends on the outcome of diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the U.S.
Griner is still being held as of Thursday while her family attempts to arrange an exchange. Since June, diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. & Russia are ongoing. Although the Russian legal action against Griner has been deemed insignificant domestically, it is unlikely to prevent her from applying for a presidential pardon. Griner's fate will remain in the hands the Russian government for the time being.