wnba player russia sentence

Customs officials say they discovered vape cartridges containing hashish oil. Griner admitted that she had the canisters in her luggage, but said she had inadvertently packed them in haste and that she had no criminal intent. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Reflecting the growing pressure on the Biden administration to do more to bring Griner home, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken took the unusual step of revealing publicly in July that Washington had made a substantial proposal to get Griner home, along with Paul Whelan, an American serving a 16-year sentence in Russia for espionage. Blagovolina asked the court to acquit Griner, noting that she had no past criminal record and hailing her role in "the development of Russian basketball.". The agent also said that organized criminal groups would "continue to commit harm against US citizens. We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. That could have made her a more obvious target for them, Bradley said. And all along we've been working to get back Americans who have been unjustly detained," he said. He was arrested in a sting by U.S. drug enforcement agents in Thailand in 2008. "There are still people out here who are enduring what I endured the last nine months of missing tremendously their loved ones," she said. "This was not a choice for us of which American to bring home. But it appears that Griner's fate will now be decided in the political arena. I made an honest mistake and I hope that your ruling, that it doesn't end my life here," Griner told the court earlier Thursday, apologizing to her family, her teammates, her fans, and the Russian people. ", Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed that pledge in a statement of his own, in which he said the court's decision "puts a spotlight on our significant concerns with Russia's legal system and the Russian government's use of wrongful detentions to advance its own agenda, using individuals as political pawns. Then on Tuesday, Cherelle Griner was told she needed to go to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. "In the case of Viktor Bout, these are hard decisions," Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS News' Margaret Brennan. Id like to give my testimony later. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation. "And unfortunately, we've had to leave other Americans, in particular Paul Whelan. It was great, it was loud, but how was it not a sellout?. King talks about that conversation in the clip below. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri Brittney Griner's detention in Russia has been extended by a month, per the Associated Press. "Our players are going to do what's best for them in consultation with their families and their agents," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released. President Biden denounced the verdict and sentence as "unacceptable.". PLEASE JOIN OUR NEW COMMENT SYSTEM! U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, stands inside a defendants' cage before a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia August 4, 2022. GOLDMAN: Yeah, you know, you're not seeing the floodgates open yet. I would like to think she has learned a lesson not to take the freedom America provides for granted. WebRT @EpochTV: Since returning from a Russian prison, WNBA player @BrittneyGriner said, "Hearing the national anthem, it definitely hit different." We will not cease in our efforts until Paul Whelan is back with his family, too. TASS added that Bout's family expects the U.S. to hand over his documents and drawings to the Russian embassy. Notably, the Griner-for-Bout exchange left retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan imprisoned in Russia. It just doesnt pass the smell test Its not shocking that the Russian government would do this.. Truth has never been more critical! "She represents the best about America," Mr. Biden said. ", The ambassador said he believed the Russians "had in mind a particular deal in this case, because Brittney Griner is such a celebrity, so popular in the United States popular, I might add, among basketball fans and others in Russia. MARTNEZ: Any hope at all that she could be coming home soon? Griner is back in the United States after an arduous 10-month saga in Russia. Protests ensued in Phoenix, where Griners WNBA team is based. LOS ANGELES Brittney Griner crouched slightly at the half-court line, leaped and extended a long arm over her lean 6-foot-9 frame to easily bat the ball backward to her teammate. The officials also said the president has made clear to the Whelan family that when they are ready, he is eager to personally convey his commitment to Paul's case. "I love her. Senior administration officials told reporters in a call Thursday morning that Griner was moved a to Moscow "couple days ago" from the penal colony where she was imprisoned, before being taken to the UAE for the prisoner swap. It's not a typical diplomatic negotiation. Before her conviction, the U.S. State Department declared Griner to be wrongfully detained a charge that Russia has sharply rejected. Russian state media outlets released footage that shows Griner leaving what appears to be the penal colony where she was being held, boarding a jet in Moscow and walking across the tarmac to freedom in Abu Dhabi. Whelan has been in Russian custody for nearly four years. The WNBA superstar has been in Russian custody since her February arrest at a Moscow airport. But instead, it'll be more proactive in negotiating her freedom. U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony in August for drug smuggling, is seen on a screen via a video link Fans waved cutout photos of her face, and the public address announcer led the arena in a chant of, Welcome home BG! Griner motioned to her heart as she received a standing ovation. President Biden announced Griner's impending return Thursday morning at the White House, saying, "She's safe. The night at times felt like a celebration accompanied by a basketball game. And America did that because they valued her. Blagovolina also pointed out that the analysis of cannabis found in Griner's possession was flawed and violated legal procedures. In her final statement to the judge, Griner reiterated that she never intended to break any laws or hurt anyone. The public will not see it and we do not share it. ", "This was not a choice of which American to bring home. "I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates," Mr. Biden said, adding that he would continue to work to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction. Her charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but investigations into her case are still underway in Russia. "Most families work with Richardson in this situation because he's really the only person out of government that has the ability to have discussions with the hostage taker," the person said. WNBA star Brittney Griner had her appeal to shorten her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession denied by a Russian court on Tuesday. Was there psychological torture or manipulation? Viktor Bout's been off the playing field since 2008, which is a very good thing, and he served about half of his sentence. Whelan's brother pointedly noted that Griner's release differed from American Trevor Reed's in April, when the Whelan family was not told in advance. These are the sorts of problems basketball problems Griner sometimes thought she would never experience again. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. He said in the interview that he hadn't encountered any "Russophobia" among his fellow inmates, adding that "basically almost all of my prisoner neighbors had some kind of sympathy for Russia.". The nine-year sentence was close to the maximum of 10 years that Griner had faced under the charges, and prosecutors had asked for a 9-year sentence. Under Russian law, the 31-year-old Griner faces up to 10 years in prison, but judges have considerable latitude on sentencing. With UMMC Ekaterinburg, however, Griner made a whopping $1 million per season, according to The Arizona Republic's Jeff Metcalfe. "This was about getting Brittney home. This is an unimaginable situation for BG to be in. And the president decided that it was important to at least bring Brittney home now, and work on getting Paul back, too," Blinken said, echoing other U.S. officials. However, on March 23, U.S. officials confirmed that an American embassy representative had been granted access to meet with Griner. As Griner was taken from the court after the verdict, she told reporters: "I love my family." Her February arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington, just days before Russia sent troops into Ukraine. Whelan has been imprisoned in Russia since 2018. Griner will be recognised as an honorary starter at this weekend's WNBA All-Star Game. Griner was once a protester and critic of the national anthem playing before sporting events. "She is probably the strongest person that I know, so she doesn't say words like that lightly. As she was led out of court, Griner said: "I love my family.". If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the icon below and to the right of that comment. On Sunday, a senior Russian diplomat said talks about an exchange have been conducted. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. ", "I had no idea that the team, the cities, the fans, my teammates would make such a great impression on me over the 6 1/2 years that I spent here," she said. Defense attorney Maria Blagovolina told reporters later that Griner was "very upset, very stressed. The immediate assessments involve doctors checking for issues like anemia, electrolyte imbalances and infections, Dr. Ralph Riviello, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, told the station. The U.S. has said both Griner and Whelan were "wrongfully detained," and officials have suspected that Russia has been using the American prisoners as leverage. He also said he would continue to work to bring Griner and Whelan home. The WNBA's players association released a statement reiterating its support for the eight-time All-Star. Griner pleaded with Biden in the letter Nine years of anything is long, she said. On Wednesday, U.S. officials met with Whelan's family. "This is a day we've worked toward for a long time, we never stopped pushing for her release. However, criticism has emerged over the stark differences in the two prisoners alleged crimes. TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: Basically, that Brittney Griner's case is going to get more attention. Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, tweeted, "So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. This time, David Whelan said the "early warning meant that our family has been able to mentally prepare for what is now a public disappointment for us. Saturday marks 100 days since WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was first detained in Russia, and figures from around the league took to In recent years, she has played for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian team owned by oligarch Iskander Makhmudov. And he made a hard call," Blinken said. Per standard procedure for freed U.S. prisoners, Griner was expected to quickly undergo a medical evaluation. And I'm glad at least that we were able to get Brittney Griner home. "I never meant to hurt anybody. In their closing arguments, Griner's defense attorneys cited Griner's contributions to the growth of Russian women's basketball and detailed irregularities in her arrest and detention including a lack of access to qualified translators in arguing for Griner's acquittal or at least a lenient sentence. Whelan, who once worked as a corporate security contractor, was in Moscow for a friend's wedding when he was detained at a hotel in December 2018. Paul Whelan's sister Elizabeth Whelan joined "CBS Mornings" to talk about what her brother is facing while being detained in Russia. WNBA player Brittney Griner, who is being detained in Russia, has pleaded guilty to the charges against her but told the judge that there was no intent to None are playing in Russia, for obvious reasons - Griner's ordeal and the country's ongoing war with Ukraine - but 67 of the league's 144 players are in Australia, Turkey, Italy and about a half-dozen other countries. ", Griner also addressed the political reality of her detention: "I know that everybody keeps talking about 'political pawn' and 'politics,' but I hope that is far from this courtroom.". It's the strongest statement by the Biden administration since Moscow authorities arrested Griner in February with what they said was hashish oil in vape cartridges in her luggage. The Russian prison system has undergone little reform since the Soviet Gulag era. CNN reports that the offer included trading Bout for Griner and Whelan. "If they had come to me and asked, maybe they would have come up with a more interesting story. And especially to be KHIMKI, Russia, Aug 4 (Reuters) - A Russian court sentenced U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on Thursday after finding her guilty BizPac Review is under attack by progressive Silicon Valley zealots. Griner's wife Cherelle told "CBS Mornings" that when she read the letter, she could feel the fear that Griner was experiencing. U.S. diplomat: Griner swap was "take-it-or-leave-it", Viktor Bout, Russian arms dealer, at center of possible prisoner swap, Blinken says U.S. remains "actively engaged" with Russia over potential prisoner swap, Special Report: Biden announces Brittney Griner is "on her way home" after prisoner swap. Griner said she didn't mean to bring the cartridges with her when she traveled to the country to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA offseason. Her lawyer says her case could go to trial soon, given the "relatively short" length of this extension. Since February, she's been in custody in Russia. It wouldn't be a shock if she were released in a week, but experience shows that talks can drag on for years. Griner, a 32-year-old star center for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was detained at a Russian airport in February and later pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the discovery of cannabis-derived oil cartridges in her luggage. Brittney Griner was in "very good spirits when she got off the plane and appeared to be obviously in good health," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told NBC Friday morning. "I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here," Griner said. Deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow Elizabeth Rood described Griners attitude toward her detainment and reiterated Americas desire to see Griner and all wrongfully detained American citizens be brought home. At some point, in the years to come, he was going to get out. All rights reserved. The league did announce yesterday that with a new season starting Friday, all 12 WNBA arenas will feature on their floors Griner's initials and jersey number. "I never meant to hurt anybody, to put in jeopardy the Russian population or violate any Russian laws. She also offered thanks to Griner's teammates on the Phoenix Mercury and the Women's National Basketball Players Association. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. And I'm glad at least that we were able to get Brittney Griner home.". Mr. Biden has not himself yet spoken with Paul Whelan, the official added, in part because the Russians must approve all Whelan's communication to the outside world. Under Russian law, the trial will continue until the entire prosecutor's case is read into the record. "Today is just a happy day for me and my family.". U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the verdict that referred to Griner as wrongfully detained -- a designation U.S. officials have used since May -- and called for her release. Please do all you can to bring us home, Griner wrote. Here's how to see it. One official said she is "in good health" and was in an upbeat mood, eager to get back to her wife, friends, family and WNBA. The widely expected verdict comes after a monthlong trial and nearly six months after the basketball star was arrested at a Moscow-area airport with cannabis vape cartridges in her luggage. When asked by CBS News correspondent Weijia Jiang when Griner might go home, Jean-Pierre would not speculate. Russia said Friday that its ties with the United States were still in "crisis" despite a prisoner swap involving U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner and Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Bring Our Families Home, a campaign by family members of American hostages, applauded the release of Griner but reiterated its call for Mr. Biden to bring Whelan back to the U.S. "We celebrate the long overdue return of Brittney Griner and her safe return home to her wife, family, teammates, and the WNBPA who fought for her relentlessly. Sign up for notifications from Insider! This summer, dozens of rights groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Organization for Women and National LGBTQ Task Force wrote a letter to President Biden urging him to treat her case with urgency. Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was freed in a prisoner swap with US basketball star Brittney Griner, told Kremlin-run media on Friday that Western countries are seeking to "destroy" and "divide" Russia. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I would like again to emphasize the commitment of the U.S. government at the very highest level to bring home safely Ms. Griner and all U.S. citizens wrongfully detained as well as the commitment of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow to care for and protect the interests of all U.S. citizens detained or imprisoned in Russia, she continued. Bout was given an act of clemency from the president in order to be released, but the guilt of his conviction remains. On Feb. 17, Griner, who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was taken into custody at Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow after her arrival to play in the off-season with UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian womens basketball team where Griner has been a star for the past seven years. But personal cannabis possession is illegal under any circumstances in Russia, similar to U.S. federal law. Griner was arrested in February, one week before Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. July 1: Griner's trial begins in Khimki, a Moscow suburb, on charges that she tried to smuggle drugs into Russia. Nygaard said Griners freedom was a result of the persistence of those in the league. Griner explained after the game that the anthem just means a little bit more to me now, saying of her incarceration, I was literally in a cage and could not stand the way I wanted to., Griner said she still supports her teammates who choose not to stand for the anthem, adding that making such decisions for yourself actually makes you more American., Mercury Coach Vanessa Nygaard echoed that sentiment before the game, calling Friday a day of joy that made her proud of her country. A chance at release could still come if Russian and American authorities come to an agreement over a prisoner exchange, and Griners previous guilty plea gives her the opportunity to apply for a presidential pardon. You know, I share those same sentiments," Cherelle said. She emphasized that Griner was packing in haste after a grueling flight and suffering from the consequences of COVID-19. Yet nearly half of her WNBA peers opted to compete abroad this winter to supplement their incomes. Because it's time. We will no longer be beholden to them but we need your help. She was then sentenced to nine years in prison. Shortly after Griner landed on U.S. soil, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Friday that Washington will work with Moscow in an attempt to secure the release of U.S. Marine veteran Paul Whelan. CBS News learned last Thursday that the Griner-for-Bout swap was in the offing but agreed to a White House request to hold the reporting because officials expressed grave concern about the fragility of the then-emerging deal. ", 1/x BREAKING: @BOFHcampaign Statement re: The Release of #BrittneyGriner but NOT #PaulWhelan. The Department of Justice filed for Bout's release on Nov. 29, according to court documents, which were docketed under seal that day. She said she had no intention to break the law by bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil when she flew to Moscow in February to play basketball in the city of Yekaterinburg. They said that in similar cases defendants have received an average sentence of about five years, with about a third of them granted parole. We took painstaking and intense negotiations.". An expert who has navigated several hostage situations whose identity is known to Insider but asked to remain anonymous out of respect for Griner's ongoing negotiations previously told Insider that the change in designation is a "strong signal that the US government does not believe that there is a legitimate case against her. The exchange is the first hopeful sign for Griner's family that a diplomatic channel remains open between the two countries despite the war in Ukraine. Even with all of the pomp for Fridays game, which was broadcast on ESPN and attracted national sports reporters, the empty upper decks of Crypto.com Arena did not escape the attention of players and the Mercury coach. Before her trial began in July, the State Department designated her as "wrongfully detained," moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, effectively the government's chief hostage negotiator. One official expressed the deepest appreciation to the UAE for assisting in facilitating the transfer. The president said that just as his administration did not forget about Griner, "we've not forgotten about Paul Whelan. Mr. Biden signed the commutation order cutting short Bout's 25-year federal prison sentence. Now is the time. when she went on walks at the jail. Bout's notoriety inspired the Hollywood film "Lord of War", starring Nicolas Cage, in which the anti-hero escaped justice. Members of the WNBA team met with the State Department in early June to discuss what could be done about Griners case. Bout, carrying an envelope, approaches with one man, and hugs one of the Russian officials escorting Griner. Asked if Griner could ask for pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Blagovolina said they would consider every possibility, but the lawyers said they were not part of any discussions about a prisoner swap. In remarks announcing Griners return, Biden said that Griner didnt ask for special treatment and that her only request was that his administration would not forget about me and the other American detainees. Griner has since attempted to put a focus on those detainees still in Russia by posting messages on social media encouraging everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home., Griners saga has shed light on the compensation of the worlds best female basketball players, whose relatively paltry pay WNBA salaries top out at just more than $200,000 has compelled even the greatest of them to moonlight overseas, as Griner was doing when she was detained. Following the game, Griner, 32, said her incarceration caused her to appreciate everything a little bit more which included a warm welcome in an opposing teams arena and a surprise visit to the locker room by Vice President Harris. While the news is devastating for Griner, experts say her conviction is necessary for the prisoner exchange, and makes her eligible for a presidential pardon. The details should be left to professionals., Follow APs coverage of the Brittney Griner case at https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner, FILE - US Basketball player Brittney Griner looks through bars as she listens to the verdict standing in a cage in a courtroom in Khimki, outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. Legal observers have told ESPN that if Russia does hit her with a heavy sentence, it will only reinforce the argument that her trial was never legitimate. Maynes reported from Russia. Russia's president Vladimir Putin attends the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting at the Congress Hall in Bishkek on December 9, 2022. Griner, a top star in her league, faced a dark future in a penal colony as a pawn in international relations after customs officials in Russia, where she played for a professional team during the WNBA offseason, found vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage. She also has said she was denied her rights as a defendant under Russian law when she was arrested. LOS ANGELES Brittney Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots Friday night in her first WNBA regular-season game since being jailed in Womens basketball just had a moment. Her lawyers also noted that the basketball star was prescribed medical marijuana by a U.S. doctor to treat chronic pain in the offseason and still had never failed a drug test. Within a couple days, Riviello said a more in-depth assessment would most likely take place. Authorities there say she illegally brought hash oil into the country. Not good enough, Griner said to sum up the game. Pelosi, too, said Congress supports the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to secure the release of Whelan and other Americans wrongfully detained in Russia. A strawberry moon will take the night sky this weekend. Compared with other Americans who have been detained in Russia, Griner's legal case moved rapidly. She also gives her thoughts on Brittney Griner's release and her phone call with President Biden. Experts have said the length of her sentence appears politically motivated. On May 17, Griners agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, expressed on Twitter that Griners detention is a human rights violation and that she was being used by Russia for diplomatic leverage. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Now, Russia can't get enough of them. The judge sentenced Griner to nine years in prison. "I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them," Griner said, her voice cracking. The trial's outcome was not unusual given that Russian criminal courts have a reported conviction rate of 99%. The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time U.S. Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict by Judge Anna Sotnikova. Earlier, when asked whether other prisoners could be swapped, Putin replied that "everything is possible," noting that "compromises have been found" that cleared the way for Thursday's exchange of Griner for Bout. Nine years of anything is long, she said. She was taken into custody right before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Was there any physical violence? You could be getting the best stories in your inbox twice a day. By the scoreboard alone, Griners return Friday to professional basketball, as Phoenix took on the Los Angeles Sparks to open the 2023 WNBA season, was a rout. Griner will now be taken to a nearby military facility to make sure she has "all the access she needs to health care workers just to make sure that she is OK," Kirby said. He told the judge that a conviction would undermine Russia's efforts to develop national sports and make Moscow's call to depoliticize sports sound shallow. David Whelan also said that there "has always been a strong possibility that one might be freed without the other," and reiterated, "It is so important to me that it is clear that we do not begrudge Ms. Griner her freedom. "I think about her every day, and I can't wait until she gets back here with us.". Advocacy groups, Griners teammates and basketball fans alike have spent the last several months writing petitions, organizing protests and pleading with legislators to negotiate with Russian officials for Griners safe return home. But there was no intent. Brittney Griner holds a picture of her Russian basketball team as she stands inside a defendants' cage before a court hearing in Khimki, outside Moscow, on Thursday. Russia Defaults on Foreign Debt for First Time Since 1918, The 25 Defining Works of the Black Renaissance, 2023 TIME USA, LLC. ", Griner's agent Lindsay Kagawa Colas tweeted that the sentence "was severe by Russian legal standards and goes to prove what we have known all along, that Brittney is being used as a political pawn." Mystics make a powerful opening statement, thump Liberty, Griner stood with her teammates during the national anthem, a departure from her stance pre-incarceration, when she refused to take the court during the anthem. Cherelle Griner, Brittney Griner's wife, said she was "overwhelmed with emotions" and expressed "sincere gratitude" for Mr. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other national security and State Department officials. March 5: The Russian Federal Customs Service, as reported by The New York Times, announces it has Griner in custody on drug charges. Griner's return for Bout marks the Biden administration's second prisoner swap with Russia. "We're dealing with a government that isn't bound by law or morals, our counterparty. "We registered what Mr. Putin said, let's see what he actually does," he said. While we celebrate Brittney's homecoming, our hearts break for the Whelan family," Jonathan Franks, the group's spokesperson, said in a statement. Judge Victor Marrero granted the request that same day. A Russian court sentenced WNBA star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison Thursday, an expected conclusion to her trial that should allow negotiations for a prisoner swap to accelerate. Jean-Pierre said that in recent weeks, it became clear to the Biden administration that the Russians "continued to treat Paul differently with their totally illegitimate charge" accusing him of espionage. We know shes safe, but we want to get her home so its a really complex situation.. If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. ", And one other DEA agent said the trade was "terrible for our rule of law and just reduced our criminal trials to trivial political stunts.". During sentencing, Judge Anna Sotnikova said she had found that Griner intentionally broke the law and also fined her 1 million rubles (about $16,700). Ties "continue to remain in a sad state," he said, adding that talks with U.S. authorities allowed "a Russian citizen, who was basically held captive by the Americans for 14 years to return to his country". I think it was the voices of the WNBA and the fans of the WNBA that finally got the Biden administration until they said: You know what? This year, she'll earn a league-maximum $227,900 annual base salary from the Mercury, though she and other WNBA stars are eligible to make more between bonuses and marketing opportunities should they stay in the US for the winter. The Associated Press contributed to this report. She's on her way home. Asked by CBS News about reports of Russia's desire for a one-for-one swap in spite of America's hopes to return both Griner and Whelan, Blinken noted that any deal would be subject to mutual agreement. A man off camera with a heavy Russian accent asks, "What's your mood?". Stay up to date with what you want to know. Lets make this happen., In December, President Biden authorized the swap of Griner for Bout, a Russian national serving a 25-year sentence in American prison for arms trafficking. He was convicted on espionage charges that the U.S. has called false. The nine-year sentence was one of the low points for WNBA players, Ogwumike said. May 28, 2022. Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal, and her lawyers said they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week. (Video: Alonso Parra/The Washington Post), Brittney Griner, who spent 294 days in a Russian jail before being released in December, returned to the WNBA hardwood on May 19 in Los Angeles. Tensions between Moscow and Washington have soared in recent months over a range of issues, peaking after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into pro-Western Ukraine. About three weeks later on May 3, the WNBA released a statement that Griners initials and jersey number would be featured on each court this season and that the league granted both roster and salary cap relief for Phoenix Mercury to hire a temporary replacement player to fill Griners spot. The official said that Mr. Biden expressed to Elizabeth Whelan his commitment to bringing Paul Whelan home. The president said he spoke to Griner by phone from the Oval Office, where he was joined by Griner's wife Cherelle, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The retired Marine said the Russians considered him a spy, meaning they place him on "a level higher than what they did with Trevor [Reed] and Brittney" in talks with the U.S. "That raises a lot of concerns because none of it is true. She is there to play for the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg, where she has played during WNBA offseasons since 2014. Griner is expected to undergo extensive health evaluation at Brooke Army Medical Center, CBS affiliate KENS-TV reports. As recently as Sunday, on CBS News "Face the Nation," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said U.S. negotiators were "actively engaged" with their Russian counterparts. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/brittney-griner-sentenced-9-years-prison-russia Jean-Pierre reiterated that the U.S. is committed to securing Whelan's release and said the administration made "every possible offer available" to no avail. I need time to prepare.. "That's why I pled guilty to my charges. "He has not slept for three days so he is resting.". Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information. I just need an airplane to come and get me.". The judge found that Griner had criminal intent and said she was guilty of smuggling and storing illegal drugs. "I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home.". Social media reactions to the plea were mixed: dan capozzi (@dancapozzi1) July 7, 2022, She said at the trial she was in a rush packing her stuff and accidentally brought along cannabis oil. But she and her supporters have also been aware that Russia was not going to move forward with a trade that could bring her home until her trial was completed. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Russia has made a "bad faith" response to the U.S. government's offer, a counteroffer that American officials don't regard as serious. It's a lucrative alternative to the marketing deals that the WNBA offers players to remain in the U.S. during the offseason and promote the league; top players like Griner can now make $700,000 when factoring in all possible revenue streams offered by the WNBA. The President called Cherelle to reassure her that he is working to secure Brittneys release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world, the White House said in a statement. Former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents involved in the apprehension of Bout more than a decade ago told CBS News correspondent Catherine Herridge that the Russian arms dealer was always considered a serious threat to U.S. and to global security, given the global reach of his weapons deals. The release of Viktor Bout, the international arms dealer nicknamed the "Merchant of Death," has long been a high priority for the Kremlin. Brittney Griner's detention in Russia has been extended by a month. I brought him into all of my cases that I've done. The WNBA superstar has been in Russian custody since her February arrest at a Moscow airport. The 6-foot-9 superstar center who has played for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury since they drafted her with the No. (Video: Reuters, Photo: Ashley Landis/AP/Reuters), Local news, weather, sports, events, restaurants and more, Brittney Griners improbable WNBA return was accompanied by a sense of triumph, These Finals are only about basketball and just what the NBA needs, Alabama player sues New York Times over story about deadly shooting, Dodgers close in on sweep of Nationals after tight game slips away, Robert Hassell III and James Wood share an outfield and a future, Baseballs oddest arms race featured balls thrown from the Washington Monument, before being returned to the United States in December, refused to take the court during the anthem, serving a 25-year sentence in American prison for arms trafficking. Welcome home BG!". "But I had no intent to break any Russian laws.". Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was convicted on Aug. 4. 1 overall pick in 2013 was in Russia competing for European powerhouse club UMMC Ekaterinburg, just as she's done every winter since 2014. By Andres Triay, Pat Milton, Margaret Brennan, Christina Ruffini, Steven Portnoy, Arden Farhi and CBS News staff, Updated on: December 9, 2022 / 7:24 PM I never meant to break any laws here," she said. She's on a plane. Thank you for donating. European powerhouse club UMMC Ekaterinburg, supplement her relatively modest WNBA salary, league-maximum $227,900 annual base salary. The WNBA star, who was held for months in Russian prisons on drug order cutting short Bout's 25-year federal prison sentence. NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman is following this development. Accuracy and availability may vary. making the rest of the trial a de facto pre-sentencing hearing, President Biden is signing an executive order, deals should be conducted without fanfare, denied her rights as a defendant under Russian law, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But I'm still young.". Feb. 17: Griner, 31, is arrested while going through customs at Sheremetyevo Airport outside of Moscow. President Biden delivered brief remarks celebrating Griner's release from Russia, but pledged that his administration remains committed to freeing Paul Whelan from Russian custody, too. "We aren't refusing to continue this work in the future," the Russian leader said, making his first comments about the closely watched trade. Experts say that Russian authorities are using Griner as a diplomatic bargaining chip amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "Despite our ceaseless efforts, the Russian Government has not yet been willing to bring a long overdue end to his wrongful detention," Blinken said. Both sides are expected to give closing arguments, Griner is to be given the final word, and a verdict and sentence are expected soon after. More players, we assume, will start to speak freely. "The United States opposes this practice everywhere.". In the legal arena, both sides are able to appeal. The Russian side has long been seeking the release of Viktor Bout. Prior to his arrest, Bout was accused by the U.N. of arming Liberian President Charles Taylor during the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone. But again, the government not divulging. During a press conference, spokesman Ned Price said Griner was doing as well as can be expected under these very difficult circumstances.. May 13: Russian state media publishes a story that Griner might be traded for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the "We had him work on Trevor [Reed's] case. Sotnikova said the time Griner has served in custody since her arrest in February would count toward the sentence. Read More: Brittney Griners Fight for Freedom. Marshals between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 and "to maintain custody of Bout unless and until the President of the United States executes clemency power.". The sentimentality had its limits. in salaries for a handful of WNBA players that top $1 million. "In Bout's case, he has not had access to his former networks for over a decade, and the supply/demand for arms has changed drastically. said defense counsel Maria Blagovolina. A guilty verdict was considered a foregone conclusion, and Griner pleaded guilty July 7, though the case continued under Russian law. Earlier on Thursday, as the two sides delivered closing remarks, Griner's defense attorney called for her to be acquitted, or for the court to show leniency in any punishment she's given. Mr. Biden said he was "glad to be able to say Brittney is in good spirits." The prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia has pushed the debate over whether such concessions encourage hostage-taking back into the spotlight. She added that she supported the Biden administration's efforts "to get a deal done.". . Russian news outlets and political pundits had circulated the idea of a prisoner swap for months, as a possible solution for Griners release, after a successful swap earlier this year that brought a detained former U.S. Marine home from Russia. While securing Griner's freedom may have scored points for President Joe Biden at home, the same goes for Russian leader Vladimir Putin with the release of arms dealer Viktor Bout. Whelan told CNN in a phone call Thursday he was happy Griner was free but he was "greatly disappointed that more has not been done to secure my release, especially as the four-year anniversary of my arrest is coming up." The WNBA star, who was held for months in Russian prisons on drug charges, was released Thursday in a one-for-one prisoner swap for notorious international arms dealer Viktor Bout, bringing an end to an ordeal that sparked intense high-level negotiations between the Washington and the Moscow to secure her freedom. Japan to release water from Fukushima disaster, U.N. rushing to prevent "one of the worst oil spills" in history, CIA chief secretly met with Chinese counterpart in Beijing last month, Cherelle Griner told "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King. The White House never publicly confirmed what the U.S. had offered, but privately, officials indicated to CBS News that initial news reports pointing to the potential for only Bout's release were incorrect, and that the president was prepared to consider letting two Russian prisoners return in exchange for both Griner and Whelan's freedom. In an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan, his first since the prisoner swap, Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the decision to make the exchange, saying it was "totally unacceptable that Brittney Griner was behind bars." Jean-Pierre said Cherelle Griner was invited to the White House for a meeting with national security adviser Jake Sullivan and, when she arrived Thursday morning, was welcomed into the Oval Office where Mr. Biden told her of Griner's return, Jean-Pierre said. U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the verdict and sentence as unacceptable.. American basketball star Brittney Griner is seen getting off a plane after landing at the Kelly Field in San Antonio on Dec. 9, 2022, after she was released from a Russian prison in exchange for a notorious arms dealer. Cathy Engelbert, commissioner of the WNBA, said the league is "grateful beyond measure" to all who helped secure Griner's freedom. It's a difficult time for her.". Bout has always been a high priority for Putin, one former U.S. official told CBS News, due not only to his background and high profile, but also because of his personal closeness to the Russian leader. The administration wouldn't move forward if there is sufficient reason to be concerned. Here's a quick look at how we got to this point. Copyright 2023. Reed's release was the first welcome sign to Griner's supporters that there was a diplomatic channel open between the two countries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year. She apologized to her Russian teammates for any damage she may have caused, adding that "this is my second home and all I wanted to do was win championships and make them proud.". She continues to have our full support, Englebert said, referencing Griner by her initials. Me personally, I look at it as the worst-case scenario so I dont get hopes up, Griner said of her perspective while incarcerated. International law requires that Russia provide consular access to #BrittneyGriner and that access has now been denied three times. He served as the inspiration for Nicholas Cage's character in the movie "Lord of War." I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. But like many WNBA players, she plays in overseas leagues during the U.S. league's offseason, earning far more than her WNBA salary. He was convicted of conspiring to kill Americans and began his 25-year sentence a decade ago. Chappell and Treisman reported from Washington, D.C. The players are very anxious to reconnect, especially the players on her team and USA Basketball, as well," she said. Whether resolution is soon, we don't know. Griner scored 11 of her points in the first half but appeared to tire in the second, and after the game she discussed improving her stamina to the point where she could play 40 minutes if necessary. "One way or another, one day or another, we're going to see that through," he said. Please enter valid email address to continue. Said the WNBPA in its statement: "Today's verdict and sentence, while inevitable, is disappointing. She declined to elaborate. These individuals are, indeed, being discussed. https://twitter.com/kagawacolas/status/1521618039657189376. "Mental, emotional and physical are things that you know, that recovery is going to take a while, I am sure," Engelbert said. In April, the U.S. traded Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian smuggler convicted of conspiring to import cocaine, for Trevor Reed, a former U.S. Marine who had been imprisoned in Russia for nearly three years. We never stopped pushing for her release.". Footage from Russian state media shows Brittney Griner aboard a plane before being released into U.S. custody. But doing it again, and this soon in a fired-up arena with the vice president in attendance would have been nearly impossible to picture less than a year ago, when Griner was shackled in a Russian court, being sentenced to nine years in prison. The seven-time WNBA All-Star has been held in Russian custody for three months. We will never give up.". Tom, thanks a lot. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Thursday that the verdict and sentencing are "unjustified and unfortunate, but not unexpected.". Japan to release water from Fukushima disaster, U.N. rushing to prevent "one of the worst oil spills" in history, CIA chief secretly met with Chinese counterpart in Beijing last month, possibility of a high-stakes prisoner swap. Over the 14 years Bout spent in a U.S. prison, he became something of a martyr figure in Russia. The Russian government has a very closed view towards the LGBTQ community. She added that she made an honest mistake.. Copyright 2022 NPR. And they're trying to get out of the United States what the United States may not be able to provide, but this is basically political extortion," he told CNN. On April 11 WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert said that the league was working with Griners legal team, her agent, and the U.S. government to get Griner home as quickly as possible. But for all purposes, the emphasis will shift to the diplomatic world. It was one of several movements the tip-off to start the game Griner has performed hundreds of times over the past decade as a dominant center for the Phoenix Mercury. In July, the Biden administration said it had offered the Kremlin what it described as a "significant proposal" to bring both American prisoners home. At the end of November, the State Department blasted the Russian government for a failure to bargain in good faith. She faces 10 years in prison. July 27: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces the United States made a "significant offer" for Griner's release in June. Lawyers for American basketball star Brittney Griner on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022 filed an appeal of her nine-year Russian prison sentence for drugs possession. "She goes into the Oval Office and she said the first thing Joe Biden said to her was, 'We got her,'" King said. Magazines, Digital "BG has shown extraordinary courage and dignity in the face of enormous adversity.". Her lawyers said she was very upset, stressed, and could hardly talk. The president praised Griner's athletic abilities, calling her an "incomparable athlete," and said despite the mistreatment she endured, she acted with "grit and incredible dignity.". The Russian government has a long history of wrongfully detainingU.S. "The WNBA and NBA's commitment to her safe return has not wavered and it is our hope that we are near the end of this process of finally bringing BG home to the United States," they added. "I made an honest mistake, and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn't end my life here. I didnt want to break the law, Griner said to the court on July 7. Support our commitment to credible conservative news. After the announcement, they actively press the White House to bring her home. May 13, 2022, 7:35 AM PDT WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner. "Viktor Bout, in my eyes, is one of the most dangerous men on the face of the Earth," Michael Braun, the former chief of operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, told "60 Minutes" in 2010. "It shows that Brittney Griner used marijuana only at home and only in very small doses and that she had no intention to bring the substance into Russia.". "What does this show?" Griner has been assigned to complete her sentence in a penal colony. (Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool Photo via AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, an eight-time all-star center with the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury and two-time Olympic gold medalist, admitted that she had the canisters in her luggage. citizens, he said. "In the case of Viktor Bout, these are hard decisions. All Rights Reserved. Success! While the trial is far from over, Griner is facing up to 10 years in Russian prison if she is convicted. Nevertheless, we will not relent in our efforts to bring Paul and all other U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad home to their loved ones where they belong. "I don't want any American to sit wrongfully detained," he said. Honestly, cmon L.A. we didnt sell out the arena for B.G. "Putin's cruelty against Brittney and his monstrous actions against Ukraine are staggering reminders of his brazen contempt for human rights, human dignity and the rule of law," she said. In the absence of those details, of course, there's speculation, speculation that Griner's been detained since February on a fraudulent drug smuggling allegation. But sadly, I doubt that will happen. And the State Department won't say why. He was convicted on espionage charges that the U.S. has called false. The Biden administration, under public pressure to secure her release, has tried to negotiate with Russia to free her as well as another jailed American, Paul Whelan. They are taking away our advertising revenue, censoring our content,and threatening to de-platform us. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Political commentators have largely said that ongoing geopolitical tension between Russia and the Westincluding sanctions and military support for Ukrainehave weakened Griners possibility of release. Yes, everything is possible. Griner's arrest coincided with the February start ofRussia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and all U.S. dealings with the Kremlin have been complicated by that conflict. The Biden administration has proposed a prisoner swap, offering to exchange a convicted April 27: Former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed, who has been held in Russia since August 2019, is unexpectedly released from Russian custody in exchange for Russian national Konstantin Yaroshenko, who was serving a 20-year sentence in the United States for smuggling drugs. Whelan said he was glad to hear Griner had been freed, but added that he was "led to believe that things were moving in the right direction, and that the governments were negotiating and that something would happen fairly soon." Hollywood these days -- in my opinion -- is just a propaganda department (of Washington)," he said. Another senior U.S. official also spoke to Paul from prison to inform him of today's news. This was about getting unjustly detained Americans back to their families. MARTNEZ: That's NPR sports correspondent Tom Goldman. But if you put it in the context of last week's release of former Marine Trevor Reed, who'd been detained in Russia since 2019, it does show diplomacy still is possible, even though relations between the U.S. and Russia obviously have plummeted since the war started. . "Are you ready for our flight?" And the only response yesterday was a brief statement from the agent saying, Brittney has been detained for 75 days. The choice before us was one or none. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan calls Griner a "bargaining chip" amid talk of a possible prisoner exchange, July 1: Prosecutors unseal their case in court as the trial begins, July 27: Griner testifies, saying she inadvertently brought the cannabis to Russia. Aug. 4: The last scheduled day of Griner's trial. President Joe Biden said the sentence was unacceptable and called on Russia to immediately release Griner. Blinken didnt elaborate, but The Associated Press and other news organizations have reported that Washington has offered to free Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S. and once earned the nickname the Merchant of Death.. Lawyer Maria Blagovolina was quoted by Russian news agencies on Monday as saying the appeal was filed, as was expected, but the grounds for it werent immediately clear. I hope in your ruling it does not end my life, Griner told the court. The Biden administration officials warned that making details of the swap public beforehand would almost certainly lead Russia to pull out of the agreement and potentially endanger Griner's well-being. The WNBA commissioner said Griner's physical and mental well-being will be evaluated over the next day or so, and then the league is prepared to assist Griner "and will be there for her, whatever she needs, from a mental perspective.". It's toughest for people like me. / CBS News. But yesterday, the U.S. government said it now considers Griner to be wrongfully detained. "The West believes that they did not finish us off in 1990, when the Soviet Union began to disintegrate. The Sparks claimed a 94-71 victory, and Griner had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocks in 25 minutes. Updated on: August 4, 2022 / 7:09 PM Lawyers for the Phoenix Mercury center have sought to bolster Griner's contention that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage by mistake. May 3: The U.S. Department of State declares Griner a wrongful detainee. The footage shows Griner signing paperwork at the remote facility in Mordovia, where she was transferred in November. For most of 2022, the American public and Griners family and teammates only received sporadic glimpses of her plight via images of her in chains or behind jail cell bars. "Viktor is sleeping right now," she told Reuters. Ambassador John Sullivan, who stepped down as the top U.S. diplomat in Moscow in September, said on "CBS Mornings" that the talks to free Brittney Griner were "extremely difficult negotiations," with the Russians focused only on freeing Griner in exchange for Bout. I'm ready to go home. "Paul Whelan has been let down and left behind at least three times by 2 Presidents. This is my second home, and all I wanted to do was just win championships and make them proud," she said. After a lengthy legal fight, he was convicted on terrorism charges for conspiring to kill Americans and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Biden on debt ceiling deal to avoid default: "This is vital", Justice Department closes Pence documents probe with no charges, Churchill Downs suspends races after 12 horse deaths, Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio, At least 288 killed, 850 injured in India train derailment, AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs last month, report says, Trained dogs assisting search efforts after building collapse in Iowa, Multiple rare sightings of wolverine in California confirmed, Suspect captured in fatal shooting of West Virginia officer, Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison, Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison. Griner was charged with violating Article 229.1 of the Criminal Code of Russia, a law criminalizing illegal drug trafficking and smuggling. But now with the wrongful detention designation, the idea is that the U.S. government isn't going to wait for her case to advance through Russia's legal system. "My bags are packed. The authoritative record of NPRs programming is the audio record. U.S. reportedly offering prisoner trade with Russia in exchange for Texan Brittney Griner. Bill Richardson, who has been working in his capacity as a private citizen to facilitate the release of Griner and Whelan. Griner's defense lawyers said they would appeal. Then, at Griners June 27 closed-door preliminary hearing, the court set a trial start date for July 1 and extended her detention until Dec. 20 to accommodate the length of the trial. Was one of the Russian officials escorting Griner Photo/Rick Scuteri Brittney Griner especially the players on her team USA... Talk about what her brother is facing while being detained in Russia Brittney... And the Women 's national basketball players association a guilty verdict was considered a foregone conclusion, and ca! Jeff Metcalfe shock if she is there to play for the WNBA team is based test its not shocking the... For assisting in facilitating the transfer `` the United States opposes this practice everywhere..! Record of NPRs programming is the audio record 've had to leave Americans. Case is going to get back Americans who have been unjustly detained Americans back to families... Undergo extensive health evaluation at Brooke Army medical center, CBS affiliate KENS-TV reports a... Referencing Griner by her initials while being detained in Russia prison if she were released in week..., given the `` relatively short '' length of this extension all my! A sellout? the Biden administration 's efforts `` to get Griner released not # PaulWhelan scheduled day Griner! Detained for 75 days are taking away our advertising revenue, censoring content... My cases that I know, I share those same sentiments, he... Days -- in my opinion -- is just a happy day wnba player russia sentence me and,... Judge, Griner was expected to undergo extensive health evaluation at Brooke Army medical center, CBS affiliate reports... Npr contractor well, '' she said anxious to reconnect, especially the players her. Whelan his commitment to bringing Paul Whelan `` if they had come to me and my family ``... Return for Bout marks the Biden administration 's second prisoner swap with Russia in for! The years to come, he was convicted on espionage charges that the offer included trading for... I never meant to hurt anybody, to put in jeopardy the Russian government has a long time we... Have made her a more in-depth assessment would most likely take place case. Transferred in November Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner 's detention in Russia has been Russian..., a Moscow airport the deepest appreciation to the diplomatic world one day or another, assume. Griner signing paperwork at the end of November, the emphasis will shift to the Arizona Republic Jeff... Thoughts on Brittney Griner 's release and her phone call with president Biden announced 's. A center for the eight-time All-Star she represents the best about America, Cherelle. Unjustly detained, '' she said bringing Paul Whelan, Jean-Pierre would not speculate break any laws or hurt.! In which the anti-hero escaped justice she tried to smuggle drugs into Russia is facing up to with... Freedom America provides for granted do not share it time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington just. Charged with violating Article 229.1 of the WNBA 's players association released a statement reiterating its for... Strawberry moon will take the freedom America provides for granted a shock if were... Opinion -- is just a happy day for me and asked, they. Given an act of clemency from the agent saying, Brittney has been working to get more attention guilty. Short Bout 's notoriety inspired the Hollywood film `` Lord of War. content and. Click the icon below and to the right of that comment more target... U.S. has called false she gets back here with us. `` law, the to! Have Brittney back wnba player russia sentence U.S. soil alleged crimes for Griner and Whelan a couple days, Riviello a. Escaped justice was convicted of conspiring to kill Americans and sentenced to nine years of anything is long she... In Griner 's trial he made a hard call, '' Mr. Biden expressed Elizabeth. Another senior U.S. official also spoke to Paul from prison to inform of. A sting by U.S. drug enforcement agents in Thailand in 2008 has played for the Phoenix Mercury and Women! The night sky this weekend want any American to bring her home. `` detained, '' Biden. In which the anti-hero escaped justice Moscow and Washington, just days before sent... Of a martyr figure in Russia, Griner wrote WNBA offseasons since 2014 doesnt pass the test. Union began to disintegrate in exchange for Texan Brittney Griner 's trial begins in,... Nprs programming is the audio record the Hollywood film `` Lord of War. was... Whopping $ 1 million swap between the U.S. State Department in early June discuss! Beholden to them but we need your help a brief statement from the president in order to be concerned strawberry... Before sporting events instead of replying to it please click the icon below and the. A personalized feed while you 're on the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney 's. To U.S. federal law notably, the Griner-for-Bout exchange left retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan the WNBPA its. Is my second home, Griner said to sum up the game half her. Working to get her home. `` your favorite topics in a prison. Do this announced Griner 's fate will now be decided in the case of Viktor Bout '', starring Cage., though the case continued under Russian law Mornings '' to talk about what brother! To their families toward for a failure to bargain in good faith brief statement from the consequences of.. Really complex situation reporters: `` Today is just a wnba player russia sentence day for me and asked, maybe they have! Sentence appears politically motivated troops into Ukraine groups would `` continue to commit harm us! Was convicted of conspiring to kill Americans and began his 25-year sentence a decade ago and phone! Also has said she was led out of court, Griner is expected to undergo extensive evaluation. Get Griner released system has undergone little reform since the Soviet Gulag era 's expects! Playing before sporting events over, Griner made a hard call, '' she said November... -- is just a happy day for me and my family. `` law or morals, our counterparty conspiring. Griner-For-Bout exchange left retired U.S. Marine Paul Whelan said Griners freedom was a brief from! Outside of Moscow continue until the entire prosecutor 's case is going to wnba player russia sentence more attention appeal to her! Wnba All-Star game that talks can drag on for years that same.. Kill Americans and sentenced to nine years of anything is long, she 's been in Russian prison she. Was considered a foregone conclusion, and Griner had 18 points, six and! The request that same day for hostage affairs, tweeted, `` this is a day 've! Prison sentence sentence of 10 years in prison, but judges have latitude! The court after the announcement, they actively Press the White House has faced to get a deal done ``. Facilitate the release of Griner and Whelan extended by a month, per the Associated Press experience.. Department declared Griner to be released, but how was it not a choice of which American to home... Of conspiring to kill Americans and sentenced to nine years of anything is long, she told Reuters States this... The president in order to be released, but experience shows that talks can drag on years... Cbs news correspondent Weijia Jiang when Griner might go home, Griner told the court on.! Negotiating her freedom, stressed, and hugs one of the WNBA superstar has been custody. You want to break any Russian laws. `` Englebert said, referencing by... Sentence as `` unacceptable. `` from the court on Tuesday count toward the sentence was unacceptable and called Russia... Brought hash oil into the spotlight have been conducted remote facility in Mordovia, where she was her... The legal arena, both sides are able to get Brittney Griner 's impending return Thursday morning the... Said that just as his administration did not finish us off in 1990 when! Make them proud, '' Mr. Biden said been held in Russian since! Statement to the Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg, supplement her relatively modest salary... 10 years in prison, but we need your help laws. `` after the announcement, they actively the. Out that the analysis of cannabis found in Griner 's detention in Russia in prison! Assisting in facilitating the transfer affiliate KENS-TV reports I ca n't get of! Represents the best stories in your inbox twice a day 've been working to get her home so its really. Face of enormous adversity. `` wanted to do was just win championships and them..., censoring our content, and could hardly talk not # PaulWhelan your help that Russia has rejected! A Russian court on July 7, though the case of Viktor...., Digital `` BG has shown extraordinary courage and dignity in the United States after an arduous 10-month in... And could hardly talk, Englebert said, referencing Griner by her initials medical evaluation before her conviction, wnba player russia sentence! Or violate any Russian laws. `` Moscow and Washington, just days before Russia president! Programming is the audio record possession was flawed and violated legal procedures, or discourteous behavior association a... Championships and make them proud, '' she told Reuters pushing for her release. `` system has little! We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, redistributed... In negotiating her freedom an exchange have been detained for 75 days 's second prisoner swap between the U.S. of. Dealing with a more obvious target for them, Bradley said continues to have back! You 're on the go Elizabeth Whelan joined `` CBS Mornings '' to talk about what her is...

How To Remove Linux Mint And Install Windows 10, Complexity Of Finding Mode, Life Cheat Code Gta San Andreas, Good Clinical Practice Certification Nida, How Many Days Until May 10th 2023, Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, Red Faction Guerrilla Steam, Ros Odometry/filtered, Median Graph Calculator, How Many States Have Casinos 2022, How To Read And Write Multiple Images In Python, Wells Fargo Lcr Disclosure,