?There Is Little the United States Can Do About It?: Brittney Griner?s Worst Fear Might Come True if Her Lawyer?s Prediction Fails

Recently, WNBA star Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years by a Russian court after several hearings. She has been detained in Russia for more than eight months now. The Phoenix Mercury center was first arrested for the possession of small amounts of cannabis oil. However, it is illegal in the country. Griner pleaded guilty but maintained she did not intend to break the law. After the sentencing, her representatives appealed and the appeal hearing will be on October 25.

If the appeal does not go her way, there are fears she could be moved to a labor camp. As per reports, her family and U.S. officials are concerned that she’ll be sent to the prison camp, where conditions are harsher and she would be far more vulnerable to abuse from inmates and staff. However, her lawyer, Maria Blagovolina predicts Griner is unlikely to be moved anytime soon even if the appeals court upholds the verdict.

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“It’s a complicated process [that] can take anywhere from three weeks to three months,” she said.

Concerns about Brittney Griner being sent to a prison camp

Even if the appeals court upholds the verdict, Brittney Griner could request a location. However, T.J Quinn from ESPN feels Russia can do whatever it likes. He wrote, “But, as U.S. officials have said repeatedly, Russia can do whatever it likes with Griner and there is little the United States can do about it.”

A few days back, President Joe Biden stated he is ready to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to speak about Griner. Later, a close aide of Putin disclosed Griner is not the top priority for them. Also, he added Biden is concerned about the midterm elections.

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As per reports, Griner is now sharing the cell with three cellmates who could speak English. Also, they are in with similar charges as the basketball star. Griner spends her time in jail playing board games with her cellmates and reading books. She is allowed to go out for an hour which she spends walking. There is a basketball hoop available in the facility but there are no basketballs. However, she denied her lawyer’s offer to bring basketballs.

Griner started playing basketball only in the ninth grade. Before that, she was playing volleyball which she still follows. After picking up a basketball, she soon fell in love with the game and worked hard to be better. She then became one of the best basketball players in the country.