WNBA star Brittney Griner was convicted in Russia of cannabis possession and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Griner looked distant upon hearing the verdict while standing in a cage at the Khimki court outside Moscow.
The Phoenix Mercury player will also be required to pay a $16,300 fine as part of the punishment phase.
As Griner was being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, she told reporters: “I love my family.”
Following her sentencing, the White House released a statement on behalf of President Joe Biden, condemning the outcome of the WNBA player’s drug trial and vowing to “work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue” to bring Griner home “as soon as possible.”
“Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” the statement read. “It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”
Her Russian legal team said they have not been contacted about efforts to facilitate a prisoner exchange, which is widely suspected to be with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
“Maybe we’ll hear something. I don’t know. It has not been discussed with us,” attorney Maria Blagovolina said
The 31-year-old was arrested by Russian customs authorities in February after they found hashish oil-filled vape cartridges in her luggage.
Sports personalities such as NBA legend LeBron James have called on Biden’s attention to bring Griner home from Russia.
“For over 100 days, BG has faced inhumane conditions in a Russian prison and has been denied communications with her family and loved ones,” James captioned his post, which included a QR code for his followers to learn more about the center player’s detention.
“As a decorated Olympian and member of an elite global sport community, BG’s detention must be resolved out of respect for the sanctity of all sport and for all Americans traveling internationally. It is imperative that the U.S. Government immediately address this human rights issue and do whatever is necessary to return Brittney home,” the Los Angeles Lakers star added.
Grinner is a WNBA player who has achieved prominence and success. Since 2013, she has been a member of the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA. As a professional basketball player, she has become a household name worldwide.
