Michael Nyarko
The commissioners of NBA and WNBA, Adam Silver and Carthy Engelbert, have both condemned Brittney Griner’s 9-year prison sentence.
This comes few minutes after a Russian court sentenced Brittney Griner, a WNBA star, to jail for possession of marijuana.
The two basketball associations have jointly vowed to work closer to secure Griner’s release and subsequent return to the States.
“Today’s verdict and sentencing is unjustified and unfortunate, but not unexpected and
Brittney Griner remains wrongly detained. The WNBA and NBA’s commitment to her safe return has not wavered and it is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home to the United States,” the joint statement released by the two commissioners, reads.
Brittney Griner was arrested on February 17, 2022, soon after touching down in a Russian airport from the United States. She was arrested after airport officials detected marijuana oil in her luggage.
However, few weeks after her arrest and detention, she was hurled before a court and charged with marijuana smuggling.
The legal battle lasted for few months, and today, Thursday, August 4, 2022, a court outside Moscow, handled a 9-month jail term to the athlete.
Meanwhile, there are negotiations going on between Russian and US official for a prisoner swap. If this succeeds, it means Griner would be released and brought back to the US.
Source: NBA Republic