Two-time US Olympic champion arrested in Russia
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Brittney Griner is one of the biggest stars in US basketball. In contrast to men, women are paid less well there. Therefore, many also play in Europe. Griner has now been arrested at Moscow Airport. You face up to ten years in prison.
IAmidst tensions between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine war, Russian authorities say they have arrested a US basketball player and two-time Olympic champion on alleged drug possession. When she entered New York in February, her hand luggage was searched, the Russian customs authorities said. “Evaporators” and “a liquid with a special smell” were found. The US basketball governing body said it was Brittney Griner.
Griner, 31, is a star in US basketball and signed to Phoenix Mercury. The 2.03 meter tall player won Olympic gold with the team in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and 2021 in Tokyo. She was selected to the WNBA All-Star team seven times. Now she is stuck in Russia.
Carrying cannabis oil: Brittney Griner was arrested at the airport
Quelle: Getty Images/Christian Petersen
An expert has determined that it is intoxicating cannabis oil, the Russian side said. According to Customs, Griner, who is a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), faces five to 10 years in prison.
Griner also plays for Ekaterinburg
The US basketball governing body said on Twitter that Griner’s legal situation was known and was being closely monitored. “Brittney has always conducted herself with the utmost professionalism throughout her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and well-being is our primary concern,” the federation wrote.
The 31-year-old’s team said on Saturday: “We love and support Brittney and at this time our primary concern is her safety, physical and mental health and her safe return home.”
Many women from the WNBA – like Griner – play off-season in European basketball leagues, including Russia and Ukraine. For this reason, Griner, who plays for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg, was apparently on her way to Russia. All other players from the USA, according to the WNBA, have left Russia and Ukraine.
