WNBA star Brittney Griner was first arrested in Russia for carrying cannabis oil in February. Before the airport officials first investigated her, Griner texted her spouse Cherelle about the situation. However, Cherelle Griner was asleep at the time and did not know about the gravity of the issue. Even though she was carrying small amounts of the oil, she was prosecuted because cannabis is illegal in Russia. She pleaded guilty but stated breaking the law was never her intention.

Her representatives also produced proof that she was using cannabis oil as prescribed by a doctor to help her with pain from injuries. After several hearings, the Russian court sentenced her to nine years. This led to a huge outrage in the country where many celebrities voiced their disbelief with the sentencing. Many criticized the efforts of the U.S. government in bringing the basketball star home.

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Despite the efforts of the government, her situation has not changed. It has been over eight months since she was first detained. And there are doubts about whether the country could bring her back. This has been a huge fear for Griner and her family and friends.

Brittney Griner refused to play basketball in jail

Recently, some details of Griner’s day-to-day activities in jail came out. According to reports, she is allowed outside her cell for an hour every day which she spends walking. Also, there were reports that there is a basketball hoop available in the facility. But there was no basketball available. When her representatives offered to provide a basketball, Griner refused, suggesting it is “too painful” to play given the dire circumstances.

“She said, ‘Maybe if I’m here longer, but not now,'” Maria Blagovolina, one of Griner’s lawyers said.

Cherelle Griner recently stated her spouse is at her ?absolute weakest moment in life right now? facing a hearing in Russia for her sentence appeal. She also said that her wife coming back is not just in the hands of the U.S. government but also in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cherelle, who pursues law, added that she believes her spouse has already endured enough for her alleged violation.

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The Phoenix Mercury center has an appeal hearing on October 25. If the Russian court upholds the initial sentence, she could be transferred to a prison camp where the circumstances could be worse. This has been a huge fear for the former WNBA champion.