feature-image

Getty

feature-image

Getty

Brittney Griner has finally received some positive results and a glimmer of hope after over eight months in exile. The airport authorities at a Moscow Airport detained her after discovering vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil in her luggage in February. About eight months after that, the Russian authorities have finally granted the Phoenix Mercury player a major wish after denying her leniency appeal on October 25.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

After months of detainment, Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison for drug possession charges by the Russian judiciary. Moreover, her recent appeal was also denied and the original verdict was upheld. Amid a difficult situation for the Phoenix Mercury player, Russia has granted Brittney Griner access to US diplomats for the first time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brittney Griner meets American diplomats

American diplomats in Russia were finally granted access to Brittney Griner, who is currently serving her sentence in a Moscow jail. The American embassy was earlier prohibited from meeting Griner in prison. As she could only meet her lawyers since February, access to American authorities has come as a big relief for the troubled WNBA star.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: ?I Took for Granted?: Wife Cherelle Admits Biggest Mistake She Made While Brittney Griner Was With Her

The State Department stated that US officials got the rare opportunity to witness Griner’s ‘tenacity and perseverance firsthand.’

ADVERTISEMENT

Moreover, the White House revealed that Griner was doing as well as can be expected under the difficult circumstances she is facing. The officials also suggested that the Biden administration is exploring new proposals for Brittney Griner’s release.

BG has been facing the whole situation alone in Russia so far. But, the recent meeting will certainly act as a ray of hope for the eight-time All-Star.

ADVERTISEMENT

US government working tirelessly to bring Griner home

The Biden administration previously offered a prisoner swap deal for Brittney Griner and US marine Paul Whelan in exchange for Russian arms dealer Victor Bout, serving a 25-year sentence in America. The Kremlin waited to provide their response until Griner’s appeal hearing. It was believed that Russia did not want to give POTUS Joe Biden an undue advantage in the midterm elections by releasing Griner.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

ADVERTISEMENT

However, Moscow recently stated that they have kept the doors open for negotiations about Brittney Griner’s release. The Russian authorities also demanded that all such negotiations must be kept strictly confidential.

WATCH THIS STORY:??Did WNBA star Brittney Griner date 7-ft Lakers center, Anthony Davis?

ADVERTISEMENT

Thus, Griner and her supporters hope that the government’s efforts will bear results and that she will finally be able to return home soon.

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Rohit Kumawat

753 Articles

Rohit Kumawat is a Senior Author at EssentiallySports, covering multiple sports like NASCAR and NBA. Currently pursuing an MBA in Media and Business Management, Rohit holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. He has been working as a Sports and Entertainment writer for over two years. His favorite drivers are Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Lewis Hamilton, and Ayrton Senna. In his spare time, Rohit likes to travel, and he is also interested in photography and music. Above all, Rohit is dedicated to learning new things and bettering himself professionally and personally.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Satagni Sikder

ADVERTISEMENT