WNBA star Brittney Griner has officially been sentenced to 9 1/2 years for drug possession and smuggling drugs with criminal intent in a Russian court.
Along with her sentencing, Griner was also fined 1 million ruble ($16,000) for conscious drug possession and smuggling. The verdict was made shortly after it was announced that she was found guilty of her crimes.
Earlier this year, we reported that Brittney Griner was arrested in Moscow after being stopped by local authorities after they found a number of vape cartridges with cannabis oil in them.
Since her arrest, many people have voiced their concerns and support for Griner, including her wife, Cherelle Griner, and NBA basketball star LeBron James.
Brittney Griner wrote a letter to President Biden stating that she was scared that she may be a prisoner there forever.
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees,” she said in her letter. “Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke to Griner’s wife, Cherelle over the phone to assure her that they are working to bring Brittney home safely and as soon as possible.