WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February. While fans and Americans have been calling for her release, it seems she won't be freed just yet. According to ABC News, a court in Russia has ruled to extend Griner's detention for at least another 18 days. The ruling from the court will see Griner remain in custody through at least July 2.
Griner has been detained since Feb. 17 after being arrested at the Sheremetyevo International Airport. Russian authorities allege she was carrying vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She was charged with “large-scale transportation of drugs” and could face up to 10 years in jail. She has since spent 117 days in detention, while the United States is pushing for her return.
The U.S. State Department officially considers Griner an individual who is being “wrongfully detained.”
The Phoenix Mercury, where Griner plays in the WNBA, met with the U.S. State Department on Monday to discuss her detention. After the meeting, Griner's teammate, Brianna Turner, issued a statement:
“Today we had a meeting with the State Department about BG. I’m confident in the State Department and the work that they’re doing. They encouraged us to keep speaking her name, to keep holding them accountable to bring BG back home as soon as possible,” Turner said via FOX news.
Griner, a WNBA superstar, plays in Russia during the offseason for the Premier League team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Griner is one of the most decorated basketball players of all time. The former Baylor national champion is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a WNBA champ, and a seven-time All-Star.
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