Brittney Griner In Russia – 9-Year Sentence For Illegal Drugs
What’s a multi-awarded basketball player doing behind bars in Russia – with the possibility of spending nearly a decade as a prisoner? Brittney Griner got convicted for drug possession by a Russian court. Is this the start of the end of her career?
Author:Rhyley CarneyReviewer:Paula M. GrahamAug 05, 202211.3K Shares150.9K Views
On August 4, a Russian court sentenced American professional basketball player Brittney Grinerto nine years in prison for illegal drug possession and smuggling.
In a regional court in Khimki in Moscow, Judge Anna Sotnikova found the 31-year-old athlete guilty of violating drug-related Russian laws.
While in a Russian airport, authorities found Griner in possession of cannabis oil (approximately less than a gram).
The prosecutors originally wanted her to serve 9.5 years in jail.
Per existing Russian laws, her violation warrants up to a 10-year maximum verdict.
Her sentence was eventually reduced to nine years, plus a fine of 1 million rubles (around $16,576).
A court interpreter translated in English for Brittney Griner the court proceedings.
Brittney Griner's teammates watched the live verdict minutes before shootaround | SportsCenter
On February 17, Brittney Yevette Griner arrived at the Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport in Khimki, a city near Moscow.
Griner flew to Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Yekaterinburg-based women’s basketballteam.
Back in the U.S., the 6.7-foot tall native from Houston, Texas, plays center for Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
During the mandatory luggage inspection, airport authorities found cannabis oil inside vape cartridges.
It could be interesting to note that a few days after Griner’s arrest, the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted.
On March 5, the Federal Customs Service of Russia announced that they arrested an American basketball player but did not give the person’s identity.
Since 2014, Brittney Griner has been going to Russia to play in official game tournaments.
It’s an off-season at the WNBA.
So, the bemedalled player decided to play overseas and flew to her team in Russia.
Such is normal for professional basketball players to play for other teams abroad for additional income opportunities.
For her basketball prowess, her towering height notwithstanding, Brittney Griner is a big catch for any team.
Brittney Griner about to shoot a ball during a game rehearsal
Some of the recognitions she has achieved so far include the following:
1. All-Big 12 Women’s Basketball Player of the Year (2011, 2012, 2013)
2. ESPY Award (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) from the American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
Best Female Athlete (2012)
Best Female College Athlete (2012, 2013)
3. GLAAD Media Award for Special Recognition (from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation; 2013)
Brittney Griner is a member of the LGBT community.
4. John R. Wooden Award (for college basketball players; 2012 and 2013)
5. Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year (2012, 2013)
6. NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player – Women (2012)
7. Wade Trophy (from the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA; 2012 and 2013)
8. WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award (2014)
Brittney Griner experienced championship three times (2015, 2016, 2017) while playing at the Russian Women’s Basketball Premier League for UMMC Ekaterinburg.
From 2013–2014, she played for the Chinese basketball team Zhejiang Golden Bulls (Zhejiang Chouzhou Golden Rent).