Basketball star and two-time Olympic champion Brittney Griner (31) was arrested at Moscow airport because she had cannabis oil with her. According to the authorities, you face five to ten years in prison!
The US basketball governing body confirmed on Saturday that the arrested athlete was Brittney Griner. The 2.03 meter tall American is a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and is under contract with Phoenix Mercury.
In February, when Griner entered New York, his hand luggage was searched, the Russian customs authorities said on Saturday. They found an “evaporator” and “a liquid with a special smell”. An expert has determined that it is intoxicating cannabis oil, the Russian side said.
The umbrella organization USA Basketball wrote on Twitter that Griner’s legal situation was known and was being closely monitored. “Brittney has always conducted herself extremely professionally throughout her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and well-being are our primary concern,” the association said.
Griner’s team said Saturday, “We love and support Brittney and at this time our primary concern is her safety, physical and mental health and her safe return home.”
Many women from the WNBA play in basketball leagues outside the United States during off-season, including Russia and Ukraine. Griner has played for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg since the 2015/16 season.