via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
via Getty
US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
It has been more than 200 days since Brittney Griner was detained in Russia and transferred to prison. Considering the severity of the case, negotiations have been tough.
Officials from both countries have been negotiating for quite some time regarding a prisoner swap. While Russia would receive notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, Brittney Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan would be sent back to the United States.
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However, it seems the Phoenix Mercury star is not happy with the Government’s steps. Griner’s lawyer recently talked about what the basketball star feels about the whole process.
Alexandr D. Boykov, BG’s lawyer, said, “She is not yet absolutely convinced that America will be able to take her home. She is very worried about what the price of that will be, and she is afraid that she will have to serve the whole sentence here in Russia.”
Moreover, he was also concerned about the state of Brittney Griner in the prison. She has to spend most of her time in a tiny cell with two prisoners. Getting to spend time outdoors is a rarety with the officials allowing her this freedom only once a day.
Brittney Griner has been struggling in prison
Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner’s wife has been a major source of support and motivation for her. Moreover, she also acts as a messenger between Griner and the outside world.
Recently, Cherelle talked with her wife over a phone call and it was very distressing for her. She said, “You could hear that she was not okay.”Furthermore, she also asserted that Brittney Griner is “at her absolute weakest moment in life right now.“
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PALMETTO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury walks hand and hand with wife Cherelle Watson after defeating the Dallas Wings at Feld Entertainment Center on August 10, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida.(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
October 25th is a very significant date for Griner’s camp. The court will be entertaining appeals from her side and this can be a turning point for her future.
The Phoenix Mercury star was arrested in February this year when officials found illegal substances in her luggage. She was in Russia to join her teammates in UMMC Ekaterinburg which happens to be the team where she plays during the WNBA offseason.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Millionaire Brittney Griner’s Net Worth Compared With Fellow WNBA Legends Sue Bird and Sabrina Ionescu
What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.
