Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to the drug charges she faces in Russia. The WNBA star was arrested in February this year after being caught with hashish oil at Sheremetyevo International Airport, located near Moscow. After months of uncertainty and speculation, it seems like her legal team decided that this was the best course of action. (via Reuters)
BREAKING: U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner pleaded guilty in a Russian court to drugs charges that could see her face 10 years in prison https://t.co/FnUXSR2v5I pic.twitter.com/u9gOyEwJfm
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 7, 2022
The WNBA star's arrest and detention have blown up massively as the relationship between the United States and Russia becomes more and more strained. It even got to the point when news circulated that Russia would only release Brittney Griner if the United States were to release Viktor Bout, also known as the Merchant of Death, in a swap of prisoners.
Many sports and political figures called for her release from the Russian prison. Griner herself penned a heartbreaking letter to President Joe Biden, asking him to help her in her release.
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
Unfortunately, it seems like a guilty plea is the best that Brittney Griner can do in her situation. Considering the political climate and Russia's history, it's rather difficult for her to get an acquittal. The WNBA star now potentially faces up to ten years in jail.
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