Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison for drug possession and smuggling

WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for drug possession and smuggling. Griner have been found guilty of the charges in court and lastly received her sentencing on Thursday.

Griner was arrested in Feb. to carry cannabis oil vape cartridges onto an airplane while she was playing on her behalf long-time overseas team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Griner said she made a genuine mistake by carrying the vape cartridges whilst travelling. Russian prosecutors had asked for 9.5 years prior to the ruling. Enough time shes served in custody since her arrest will count towards her sentence.

AMERICA and Russian have engaged in conversations in regards to a potential agreement around her release, but no agreement has been reached yet. Earlier come early july, it had been reported that the White House wanted to release Russian international arms dealer Viktor Bout in trade for Griner and fellow American detainee Paul Whelan.

Griner has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2014 through the WNBA offseason. President Biden issued the next statement following the sentencing:

Griner was carrying two cartridges that all contained one gram of cannabis oil. Americans can legally choose the same cannabis oil cartridges she was carrying in 19 states for recreational purposes.

The WNBA and NBA have issued the next statement after her sentencing:

WNBA players have already been urging Russia on her behalf release all season. Players wore jerseys with Griners name no. 42 on the trunk through the second 1 / 2 of the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game.

Photo by Mary Kate Ridgway/NBAE via Getty Images

Given that Griner is sentenced, negotiations between your USA and Russia could commence to have more serious.

Well update this story since it develops.