Brittney griner, a former WNBA-star who pleaded guilty on drug smuggling charges, is the subject of this article. In 2016, Griner was taken into custody in Russia. 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 star brittney griner pleaded guilty for drug smuggling
The WNBA player, who was detained in February, pleaded guilty. She was sentenced to three-years in prison, and she will spend the rest of her sentence at a Russian correctional facility. Griner admitted to being involved in smuggling drugs. But, Griner insisted that she never intended to violate the law.
She was arrested in Russia in 2016.
Despite her international fame, Griner has not been silenced by her arrest. While Griner's supporters are calling for her release her husband, and their team, have kept 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 been a source of great embarrassment for her, and the WNBA has done little to help.
She led the United States women's basketball team to victory in the Rio Olympics
Griner, who is just 19 years old, has won several gold medals. She was part the USA women's basketball squad in Rio de Janeiro. They beat Spain 101 to 72 in the gold-medal game. She won a gold in the FIBA World Cup 2011 as well. She has received numerous international and national honors since, including the All-Tournament Team award and the Most Valuable Player award in the Gold Medal Game.
She was sentenced to nine years in prison
Griner has been declared a "wrongful detainee" by the U.S. government and they are working to get her back. Bill Richardson (former U.S. ambassador) has been appointed to help. Richardson is a skilled hostage negotiator with extensive experience and will immediately work 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.
Her fate now depends on diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Russia
As of Thursday, Griner remains in detention while her family seeks an exchange. Diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the U.S. have been ongoing since June. 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 lies in the hands largely of the Russian government.