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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talked about Brittney Griner’s detention on Sunday prior to the league’s annual All-Star game.
Greener pleaded guilty to drugs in a Russian court on Thursday. She was accused of possessing an arc cartridge containing oil obtained from cannabis through Moscow Airport.
She has been in custody since February and rarely appears in public.
“Obviously, I’m thinking of Brittney Griner at this point,” Engelbert said in Chicago via Reuters.
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“She remains a major priority for us, and we continue to fully support us and are fully focused on getting home safely and of course as soon as possible.”
Grinner’s Russian legal team decided to take full responsibility for her actions on Thursday when a WNBA superstar was found guilty of drugs in a Moscow court and hoped the ruling would not be harsh. “.
Greener faces a 10-year sentence.
Megan Rapinoe wears Brittney Griner’s embroidered “BG” on the Presidential Medal of Freedom suit
“Today, BG pleaded guilty, which was her decision informed by discussions with her Russian legal defense team,” her legal team said. “Britney sets an example of her bravery. Knowing that she is a role model for many, she decides to take full responsibility for her actions. ..
“Given the nature of her case, the small amount of material, the nature of BG, and the history of her active contribution to global and Russian sports, the defense has been considered by the court as a mitigation factor for plea. I hope there is nothing serious. Sentence. “
Grinner pleaded guilty the day after Russia’s Foreign Ministry said at a press conference that the WNBA star could choose to appeal her verdict or apply for an amnesty. The Foreign Ministry also challenged the US allegations that she was illegally detained on February 17.
The White House said Wednesday that President Biden spoke with Grinner’s wife, “We are actively working to secure Britney’s release as soon as possible, and have been illegally detained or held hostage in and around Paul Whelan and Russia. Confirmed that he is working on the release of other US citizens. The world. “
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Before Greener was found guilty, her legal team said she expected Greener’s trial to end in early August.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.