Basketball player Brittney Griner’s future and freedom is now certain after Russian courts agreed the release of the basketball star’s appeal of her nine year-sentence for drug possession and smuggling charges.
Griner was initially sentenced to nine years in prison after a Russian judge found her guilty of smuggling and storing illegal drugs.
Griner, a WNBA star for the Phoenix Mercury, traveled to Russia in February to play basketball in order to earn a higher salary. She earned $227,000 playing in the WNBA and over $1 million playing in Russia.
On Feb. 17, Griner, 31, was detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki after Russian authorities found vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
Earlier this year Griner testified she did not intentionally bring the oil with her and only had it for medical reasons.
“I am greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release, especially as the four-year anniversary of my arrest is coming up,” Whelan said in a phone interview with CNN. “I don’t understand why I’m still sitting here.”
“I spoke with Brittany Griner,” Mr. Biden said in the article. “She’s safe. She’s on a plane. She’s on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held in intolerable circumstances.”
Cherelle Griner, Brittany’s wife, said in the article that her wife’s imprisonment was one of “the darkest moments” in her life, and appreciated Biden’s efforts.
“Today, I’m just standing here, overwhelmed with emotions,” she said.
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