Brittney Griner Testifies In Russian Court In Cannabis Trial
TEMPE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 03: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during Game Three of the 2021 WNBA semifinals at Desert Financial Arena on October 03, 2021 in Tempe, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Aces 87-60.
Brittney Griner took the stand Wednesday (July 27) in a Russian court for her ongoing trial for drug charges, which could land the WNBA star in prison for10 years.
The trial began with Griner being cross-examined by the defense. The Phoenix Mercury star told the defense attorney Maria Blagovolina that when she “went through passport control and security at the Moscow airport on Feb. 17, a staff member with a dog asked her to open her bags, before finding two cartridges,” per NBC News. That’s when a second airport employee “opened the cartridges, smelled them”; shortly after her passport was taken and she had to sign documents. According to Griner she had to use Google Translate to understand the documents because the interpreter didn’t explain to her what she was signing nor informed her of her rights.
By then, Griner missed her connecting flight to Yekaterinburg where the WNBA star plays basketball for the premier league. She was able to call her lawyers despite her phone being confiscated but they would not be able to see the athlete until the following morning.
“At that point, it felt like I was being held against my will,” she said. “I asked again what’s going on and when can I see my lawyer. I was then told I have to be interrogated.”
She was then cross-examined by the prosecution, who asked her about her guilty plea to drug smuggling.
“I do understand charges against me, I do take responsibility for them being in my bag, but I didn’t plan on bringing anything to Russia,” she told the court.
The next hearing scheduled for Griner will happen on August 2.
Brittney Griner's Wife Speaks Out As WNBA Star Is Detained In Russia
Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle T. Griner, is speaking out on the WNBA star’s behalf after it was reported she had been detained in Russia for several weeks.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life,” Cherelle captioned a photo of the two smiling on the beach. “I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!”
Russian officials said Griner was detained after they found vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis in her luggage at the Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow per NBC.
The offense could land the basketball star 10 years in prison.
Griner has played over in Russia for the past seven years. The last time she played in a game was Jan. 29 for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg before the two-week hiatus in February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Griner’s home team, The Phoenix Mercury, released a statement eager for the athlete’s return back to the United States.
“We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home,” the team said.
The USA Basketball league also expressed concern with Griner’s return.
“Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns,” the tweet said.
Per the outlet, the State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory for U.S. citizens thinking of heading to Russia as the Ukraine/Russia conflict escalates.
Look at the outpouring of support for Brittney from fans:
Autumn Hawkins is the National Hip-Hop and R&B writer for Beasley Media, currently residing in New Jersey. Prior to working at Beasley Media, she was in broadcast news as an entertainment producer. When she's not impatiently waiting for Beyoncé to drop new music, she is reading, shopping, or planning a vacation.
