WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to Russian drug charges
WBNA star Brittney Griner has entered a plea of guilty to drug charges in Russian Court on Thursday, according to Reuters. Russian authorities arrested the former Baylor star four months ago after she was found to be in possession of hashish oil at the airport.
“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 per the report.
Sources told ESPN that the guilty plea is a strategy to help facilitate a prisoner swap that could bring Griner home. It also was a recognition that there was “no way” the court would acquit her.
Thursday was the second day of Griner’s trial after her arrest on Feb. 17. The United States could potentially swap the WBNA star with a coveted Russian in American custody – arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner’s next court hearing is on July 14. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs.
Griner sends letter to President Joe Biden
On the Fourth of July, Brittney Griner sent the President of the United States a letter in an effort to ramp up the efforts to get her home.
“… 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’s statement to President Biden read. “On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.
“I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. 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.”
The White House responded with a call to Griner’s wife, Cherelle. In response to the call, Cherelle posted on Instagram that she “will remain concerned and outspoken” until her wife’s return.