Brittney Griner has been convicted of drug possession and trafficking. He apologized to his loved ones at the trial.
Brittney Griner has won Olympic basketball gold twice in her career. PDO
A Russian court has sentenced basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison for drug possession and smuggling, says, among other things Reuters and ESPN.
According to the judge, Griner intentionally smuggled e-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis oil.
Griner, 31, stressed in his speech in court Thursday that he had no intention of breaking the law.
– I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans for my mistake, which has brought them shame. I also want to apologize to my parents, my family and my wonderful spouse, Griner said with a trembling voice AP’s by.
Griner stated that he made an honest mistake.
– Your wishful decision does not decide my life, Griner told the judge.
According to the AP news agency, the prosecutor Nikolai Vlasenko is demanding 9.5 years in prison for Griner. According to Russian law, he can face a 10-year prison sentence at worst.
Griner has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, but said he did not intentionally break the law.
Griner was arrested in February at Moscow airport. He was on his way to the ranks of UMMC Ekaterinburg.
E-cigarette cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in Griner’s suitcase. According to the basketball player, cannabis oil and electronic cigarette cartridges ended up in his bag as a result of hasty packing.
Griner has asked the president Joe Biden to use his authority. The arrest is considered political, and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in July that the country would make a significant offer to Russia.
According to CNN, the United States has offered Griner a Russian arms dealer in exchange Viktor Boutiawho was arrested in Thailand in 2008.
Modified on 4.8. 6:52 p.m.: Increased length of prison sentence.