Brittney Griner, 31 year WNBA star, was recently sentenced to 9 years in prison, in Russia. She was caught “smuggling” a prescription cannabis pen inside a Russian airport. The pen contained less than a gram of THC.
“I love my family,” Brittney says as a message to her parents, friends, siblings, wife, and teammates.
According to ESPN, Griner, who was arrested Feb. 17 for bringing cannabis into the country, had been prepared for a harsh sentence, sources close to the player said. 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. A guilty verdict was considered a foregone conclusion, and Griner pleaded guilty July 7, though the case continued under Russian law.
Under Russian law, Griner has 10 days to appeal and her lawyers said they expect a hearing in Moscow regional court next week.
This horrifying incident saddens many of us. It was said that perhaps this unreasonable treatment has taken place to send a message to the US Government.
Griner is extremely saddened and apologetic to the Russian community. “It was an honest mistake,” she pleas to the judge. However the judge denied her innocence.
In a situation like this, what are we to do? Many prayers are sent to her at this time; prayers of freedom; prayer of release.
Her sentencing was just one year shy of the maximum punishment for this kind of crime. Her career and life is truly in jeopardy.
My prayer is that her mind and emotions are strengthened at this time. She doesn’t deserve this treatment. It’s devastating to see such a legend have to endure this kind of pain.