Basketball Star Brittney Griner Detained In Russia
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Phoenix Mercury All-Star Brittney Griner has reportedly been detained in Russia on drug charges.
According to the New York Times, the Russian Federal Customs Service detained the basketball star at Sheremetyevo Airport near Moscow after finding hashish oil vape cartridges in her luggage.
The Customs Service didn’t identify who was arrested, but noted she’d won two Olympic gold medals. The New York Post reports that Griner’s arrest happened in February just after she arrived from New York. She also hasn’t posted on social media since February 5.
Security video viewed by the Times shows Griner going through security wearing a sweatshirt and face mask. Then it shows someone, presumed to be a customs employee, removing something from her bag.
The Associated Press reports that a statement released by the Customs Service says a criminal case has been opened into the “large-scale transportation of drugs.” In Russia, a conviction on such charges carries a sentence of 5-10 years in prison.
Griner, who plays in Russia during the offseason, was reportedly arrested weeks before the country’s invasion of Ukraine. While Americans playing in Russia had not been advised to leave the country, the WNBA said it was continuing to “closely monitor the situation.”
The Mercury released a statement on Saturday morning (March 5) over Griner’s reported detainment: “We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia. We remain in constant contact with her family, her representation, the WNBA and NBA. We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home.”
A WNBA spokesperson also released a statement, saying, “Brittney Griner has the WNBA’s full support and our main priority is her swift and safe return to the United States."
