He was also ordered to pay a fine of one million Russian rubles (about CA$20,965). Her conviction could pave the way for a high-profile prisoner swap between Russia and the United States that would include the 31-year-old athlete and a jailed Russian who was once a prolific arms dealer.

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Griner earlier pleaded with a Russian judge not to “end her life” with a harsh prison sentence for carrying hashish cartridges, before breaking down in tears in court. Story continues below ad Russian prosecutors have asked that Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star, be sentenced to 9-1/2 years in prison if found guilty of transporting illegal drugs to Russia. 5:50 White House official says Brittney Griner conviction ‘reprehensible’ White House official says Brittney Griner conviction ‘reprehensible’ Griner was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on February 17 with vaping cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty but said she neither intended to bring a banned substance into Russia nor to harm anyone.

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Following the guilty verdict, US President Joe Biden issued a statement. “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is yet another reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully holding Brittney,” it said. “It is unacceptable and I call on Russia to release her immediately to be with her wife, loved ones, friends and teammates. Story continues below ad 1:00 USA Basketball star Brittney Griner says bringing cannabis to Russia was ‘an honest mistake’ US basketball star Brittney Griner says bringing cannabis to Russia was ‘an honest mistake’ My government will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every avenue possible to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.” Trending Stories

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The WNBA also released a statement Thursday. WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding Brittney Griner: pic.twitter.com/9z4IanOOHg — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 4, 2022 Story continues below ad In a tearful statement before the verdict, Griner pleaded with the judge to recognize her actions as wrong. “My parents taught me two important things: one, to take responsibility and two, to work hard for everything you have. That’s why I pleaded guilty to my charges.” “I made an honest mistake and I hope with your decision that my life doesn’t end here,” Griner told the court before breaking down in tears.

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The steamrollers threw the Texan athlete into the geopolitical maelstrom sparked when President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24. During the most tense US-Russia relations since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, US President Joe Biden is under pressure to intervene on behalf of Americans held in Russia. The United States said Griner was wrongfully detained and offered to exchange Russian prisoners for American citizens, including Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan. 2:03 USA offers to trade convicted Russian arms dealer for Griner’s release, Whelan Previous Video Next Video Story continues below ad A source familiar with the situation said Washington was willing to trade convicted arms dealer Victor Booth, whose life helped inspire the 2005 Hollywood film Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage. Russian officials said no deal had been reached. They argue that Griner, known as “BG” to basketball fans, broke the law and should be judged accordingly. “I know everybody keeps talking about political pawns and politics, but I hope that’s far away from this room,” Griner said. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Griner appeared at the hearing wearing a gray T-shirt and round-rimmed glasses. Before taking her seat in the dock, she held up a photo of the UMMC Ekaterinburg team, the team she played for in Russia during the WNBA offseason.

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In her deposition last week, Griner questioned how the vapor cartridges ended up in her luggage as she flew back to Russia to join UMMC Ekaterinburg for the playoffs. “I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag,” said Griner, the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft. “If I had to guess how they ended up in my bags, I’d be quick to guess.” Story continues below ad Griner had been prescribed medical marijuana in the United States to relieve pain from chronic injuries, a treatment method common among elite athletes because it has fewer side effects than some painkillers.