brittney griner
photo credit // lori shaull
Brittney Griner's fate is complicated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has been detained by authorities in Moscow. Russian Customs Service reported vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage.
Cannabis oil, or as the Russian Customs Service referred as "hashish oil," is illegal in most of the U.S.
She could face 10 years in prison.
Griner's situation is made complicated by the Russian invasion into Ukraine—with the U.S. and Western nations aligned with the former Soviet territory.
She could be used for war propaganda and as a bargaining chip for negotiations.
The 31-year old professional basketball player won Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021.
Lindsay Kagawa Colas, agent of Griner, said in a statement, "We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams and the WNBA and NBA."
Cannabis oil, or as the Russian Customs Service referred as "hashish oil," is illegal in most of the U.S.
She could face 10 years in prison.
Griner's situation is made complicated by the Russian invasion into Ukraine—with the U.S. and Western nations aligned with the former Soviet territory.
She could be used for war propaganda and as a bargaining chip for negotiations.
The 31-year old professional basketball player won Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021.
Lindsay Kagawa Colas, agent of Griner, said in a statement, "We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams and the WNBA and NBA."
