Russia is speaking out against the United States in the Brittney Griner case, just one day after the Phoenix Mercury star was front and center at the ESPYs. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday that the United States classifying Griner as “wrongfully detained” shows blatant disrespect for Russian law. Even though marijuana is legal in various states, Zakharova said, it doesn’t matter one bit in Russia. “If a U.S. citizen was taken in connection with… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner returns to Russian court, where lawyers present evidence in effort for more lenient sentence
Eight days after Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges, the WNBA star’s attorneys introduced new evidence they hope will result in a more lenient sentence. Lawyers on Friday presented a Russian court with an American doctor’s letter saying that Griner had been prescribed medical marijuana to help her cope with chronic pain from injuries that she sustained during her basketball career. “The attending physician gave Brittney recommendations for the use of medical cannabis. The… Source link
Read More »Here’s everything LeBron James actually said about Brittney Griner and the U.S. government
When the contentious worlds of Brittney Griner‘s detention in Russia and LeBron James’ media empire intersect, all it takes is seven seconds to ignite a controversy. In this case, it was James’ media company Uninterrupted releasing a trailer Monday for an upcoming episode of its talk show “The Shop,” in which the Los Angeles Lakers star discusses Griner, among other topics, with business partners Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera plus guests actor Daniel Kaluuya, artist Rashid Johnson and… Source link
Read More »LeBron James shoots airball when discussing Brittney Griner
LeBron James has influence. A lot of influence. He knows this, and relishes it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it does come with responsibility. What he said in a preview clip for the latest episode of “The Shop,” his HBO sit-around-and-talk show, is irresponsible. Talking about Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia, where she’s been imprisoned since February, James wondered aloud, “[She’s been there] over 110 days. Now how can she feel like America has her back? I… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charge in Russia
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drug charge Thursday in a Russian court, a “decision informed by discussion with her legal defense team in Russia,” Griner’s team said in a statement. “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner said in court. “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.” In a statement, Griner’s legal team stated that “considering the nature of her case, the insignificant… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner sends letter to Joe Biden asking for release
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner sent a handwritten letter to U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday asking for her release from Russia. Her agency released excerpts from the letter to the public: “… as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote. “On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia reportedly extended by 6 months
Two things happened at Brittney Griner‘s preliminary hearing in Russia on Monday: A Moscow court set the start date for her trial for Friday and extended Griner’s detention by six more months, according to the Associated Press. This is the fourth time Griner’s pre-trial detention was moved after already being extended to Saturday before her court date was set. Now, she’ll be detained throughout the course of the trial. The Phoenix Mercury star was arrested at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 for… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner’s wife said American embassy ruined phone call
Brittney Griner tried to call her wife Cherelle Griner 11 times on Saturday through the American embassy in Russia, but the embassy wasn’t properly staffed, Cherelle Griner told The Associated Press on Monday. Cherelle and Brittney haven’t spoken in more than four months since Brittney was arrested in Russia. The two were set to talk over the phone Saturday to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Yet Brittney never called, at least that’s what Cherelle initially thought. On Monday,… Source link
Read More »Russia extends Brittney Griner’s pre-trial detention
More than 100 days after her arrest at a Moscow airport, Brittney Griner still doesn’t have a trial date. A Russian court extended the WNBA star’s pre-trial detention for a third time on Tuesday, this time until at least July 2, according to a Russian state media agency. The delays are officially to grant prosecutors more time to gather evidence even though the investigation in this case appears relatively straightforward. The only witnesses seem to be Griner and the airport customs… Source link
Read More »Brittney Griner’s detention extended for 18 days in Russia
Brittney Griner’s pretrial detention was extended by 18 days on Tuesday, which will keep her in Russian custody until at least July 2, a state news agency said via The New York Times. This marks the third time the Phoenix Mercury star’s pretrial detention was extended by a Moscow court, something that is reportedly typical in Russia. This latest extension was granted at the request of investigators, per the report. Griner was arrested Feb. 17 after officials claimed they found vape… Source link
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