WNBA Star Brittney Griner Sentenced To 9 Years In Russian Jail

American Women’s Basketball star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to 9 years in a Russian jail for smuggling drugs into the country.

Judge Anna Sotnikova of the Khimki city court delivered the sentence and fined Griner 1 million rubles (about $16,400). She said the court took into account Griner’s partial admission of guilt, remorse for the deed, state of health, and charitable activities. 

Many raised concerns, stating that the basketball player is being used as a political pawn.

Before her verdict was revealed, Griner apologized to the court and asked for leniency in an emotional speech.

“I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here,” Griner said. “I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn’t end my life here. I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that, that is far from this courtroom.”

She added, “I want to say again that I had no intent on breaking any Russian laws. I had no intent. I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime.”

After the sentence, Griner told a CNN producer, “I love my family.”

About 6 months ago, the 31-year-old WNBA star was arrested at a Moscow airport and accused by protesters that she was trying to smuggle 1 gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. 

The two-time U.S. Olympic star said she accidentally packed the drugs in a hurry. 

At trial, Griner testified she has a doctor’s prescription for medical cannabis and had no intention of bringing the drug into Russia. Following her arrest in February, she was tested for drugs and was clean, her lawyers stated.