Brittney Griner Sentenced To 9 Years In Russian Prison

“I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city [Yekaterinburg] for the mistakes I made and the shame I felt,” Griner said in her statement. “I also want to apologize to my parents, my brothers, the Phoenix Mercury organization at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing wife at home.”

In response to the sentence, President Joe Biden slammed Russia for “wrongfully detaining” Griner, saying they would “pursue every means possible” to bring him home.

“It is unacceptable, and I am asking Russia to release him so he can be with his wife, loved ones, friends, and colleagues,” Biden said in a statement. “My administration will continue to work tirelessly and do everything possible to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also issued a joint statement condemning the ruling.

“Today’s verdict and sentence are unfair and unfortunate, but unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongfully detained,” he said. the process eventually brought BG to the United States.

Griner previously testified that she used cannabis oil prescribed by her doctor to treat pain from a sports injury, but had packed her bag in a hurry and did not mean to take it to Russia, where she played in the WNBA offseason. “Because he accidentally put it in the bag, I am responsible, but I did not intend to smuggle it or plan it [illegal substances] to Russia,” he testified on July 27.

Griner also complained that he was not read his rights when he was first arrested and that he did not receive proper translation services during the investigation.

In a letter he wrote to Biden last month, Griner said he was “scared” he might be held in a Russian prison forever.

“I know there are a lot of you, but don’t forget about me and the other American prisoners,” he said. “Please do everything you can to bring us home.”

Colas, Griner’s agent, said he appreciates the Biden administration’s efforts to bring the basketball star and Whelan back to the US.

“Bringing Brittney and Paul home was our singular goal, so we had to use every tool at our disposal,” Colas said. “We need to stay focused and united. This is a time for compassion and a shared understanding that getting a deal to bring Americans home will be difficult, but it’s important and this is what we must do.”