It's time to talk about Brittney Griner, a former WNBA star who pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges. In 2016, Griner was arrested in Russia. She was sentenced to nine year imprisonment. Griner, a former high school star, was the leader of the United States women’s basketball team to Rio Olympics 2016. 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 in drug smuggling
The WNBA superstar was arrested in February. She pleaded guilty at the time to drug smuggling. 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.
In 2016, she was detained in Russia.
Griner is not being silenced despite her international popularity. Griner's supporters called for her release but her husband and her team remained silent. They said that they had no "political understanding" of Griner’s detention. Russian officials have a very strict anti-drug culture. Nevertheless, Griner's arrest has caused her considerable embarrassment, and the WNBA has done nothing to support her.
She led the United States women’s basketball team to victory at Rio Olympics.
Despite her young age, Griner has already won several gold medals. Griner was a member of the USA women’s hockey team in Rio de Janeiro. The gold medal match saw them defeat Spain 101-72. In 2011, she also won a gold medal in the FIBA World Cup. She has won numerous international honors and been named All-Tournament Team member and Most Valuable Player in Gold Medal Game.
She was sentenced to nine year imprisonment
Griner was declared a "wrongful prisoner" by the U.S. government. They are now trying to get her out. Bill Richardson (former U.S. ambassador) has been appointed to help. Richardson has extensive hostage negotiation experience, and will immediately get Griner's return. 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 and dignity are being protected by the State Department.
Now, her fate depends on the outcome of diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the U.S.
As of Thursday, Griner remains in detention while her family seeks an exchange. Since June, diplomatic talks between the U.S. government and Russia have been going on. Griner's Russian legal actions against her are not relevant domestically. However, they will not prevent her from seeking a presidential Pardon. Griner's fate lies in the hands largely of the Russian government.