Brittney Griner Update – Biden, Teammates Ask Russia To Free Her
Now that the Russian court convicted Brittney Griner for drug charges, the White House and her family, wife, and fellow athletes are asking for her freedom. The bemedalled basketball star received a 9-year sentence. Will Russia heed their plea?
Author:Alex MercerReviewer:Nathanial BlackwoodAug 06, 202252.4K Shares717.9K Views
U.S. President Joe Biden together with other supporters call the attention of Russia for the release of Brittney Griner.
The 31-year-old basketball player was sentenced to a nine-year imprisonment by a Russian court on August 4 for illegal drug smuggling.
Griner pleaded guilty.
She violated Article 229.1 of the Criminal Code of Russia.
When she flew to Russia in February, she brought with her two vape cartridges.
These vaping devices contain cannabis oil.
Russia designates cannabis as illegal for whatever purpose.
Airport personnel at the Sheremetyevo A.S. Pushkin International Airport in Khimki near Moscow saw them inside her luggage.
This incident led to the arrest and detention of Brittney Griner.
Her jail term could have been ten years, the maximum sentence the Russian laws impose for the said offense.
Or nine and a half years, if the prosecutors had their way.
As Nikolay Vlasenko from the prosecuting team said during the trial’s closing arguments on Thursday at the Khimki District Court:
“„I ask the court to find Griner guilty and sentence her to nine years and six months in prison.
Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, her defense lawyers, appealed.
Ultimately, Judge Anna Sotnikova reduced it to nine years.
The judge also approved the request of the prosecutors to fine Griner with 1 million rubles (about $16,522).
What does the future hold for one of the esteemed players of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)?
How can the Biden administration help Brittney Griner obtain freedom?
Brittney Griner updates: After sentencing, what happens now?
She Got Benched
Given her basketball skills, the instance of getting Brittney Griner benched must be few and far between.
Imprisonment will stall her career.
She landed at Sheremetyevo on February 17.
Upon luggage inspection, personnel found a couple of vape cartridges.
Griner’s purpose of visiting Russia, that is, to play for Yekaterinburg’s UMMC Ekaterinburg, was never realized.
During off-seasons, basketball playerstend to work on the side abroad, where the pay is typically better.
In Russia, renowned American players can get paid up to four times bigger than what they receive back home, according to an AP report republished by Sportsnet.
The likes of Brittney Griner could earn more than a million dollars playing for a Russian team.
From Playing Court To Courtroom
The official trial of Brittney Griner started on July 1. The last trial took place on August 4.
After the closing arguments of the prosecution and the defense teams, Griner said:
“„I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime.
She added that the vape cartridges were “accidentally” included in her luggage and would “take responsibility” for such.
However, Griner told the court:
“„I did not intend to smuggle or plan to smuggle anything into Russia.
On July 1, Elizabeth Rood, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, told reportersgathered outside the courthouse:
“„The United States government, at the very highest levels, is working very hard to bring Ms. Griner . . . safely home.
Same description by President Biden.
He said in a statement released by the White House on August 4 that “Russia is wrongfully detaining” Griner.
Chances Dribbled Down
The U.S. government has been doing its part since Brittney Griner got detained on February 17, according to Time.
From that day until May 19, the Russian court didn’t allow U.S. Embassy representatives to visit her.
Eventually, they got permission, based on a confirmation by government officials on March 23.
On May 3, the U.S. State Department said that it assigned people to work on the Griner’s case.
The U.S. government requested to place her under house arrest.
On May 13, the court refused a house arrest for Brittney Griner.
It even extended her detention until June 13.
The court likewise denied all visitation requests from the embassy representatives for the whole month of May.
On June 14, Griner’s detention was extended again until July 2.
On July 27, the American government proposed a deal with the Russian Federation.
The U.S. offers a political swap to remedy the situation Brittney Griner got herself into.
After a total of eight official trials, Brittney Griner received a conviction on drug charges.
The Substitution
If only the suggested switch is as swift and as uncomplicated as the substitutions in a basketball game.
As mentioned earlier, various news outlets reported about the U.S. government considering a political swap as a major option.
If ever it will push through, the Biden administration will exchange Viktor Bout, 55, for Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, 52.
The Russian court accused Whelan, a police officer, of espionage and detained him on December 28, 2018.
Bout, a Russian arms dealer and ex-Soviet Army lieutenant, is currently serving his 25-year sentence in a U.S. prison.
A Manhattan court convicted him in 2012 after his arrest in Bangkok in 2008.
It seems Brittney Griner is now in the middle of a political game.
Game Finale
Brittney Griner flew to Russia to put her basketball prowess into good use.
People such as her wife, Cherelle Watson-Griner, long for her release.
In a 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated, Brittney Griner revealed that she’s a lesbian.
In a White House briefing on August 5, one of the questions raised was about Griner.
U.S. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Biden administration continues to work on bringing her back.
Though, it has “to keep the negotiations private.”
Those negotiations is for Russia “to take the substantial offer . . . seriously.”
For now, the offer for a political swap will likely free Brittney Griner.
Alex Mercer
Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution.
Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood
Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops.
He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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