WNBA Player Brittney Griner Being Detained In Russia

WNBA Player Brittney Griner Being Detained In Russia

 

            Brittney Griner, who plays center for The Phoenix Mercury was taken into custody by Russian authorities. She is facing charges of drug smuggling after agents found vaping cartridges inside of her luggage. Griner was attempting to board a flight leaving from Moscow days after a “do not travel” advisory was issued by The State Department and alerts sent out by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow warning all U.S. citizens to leave immediately impending the cancellation of flights in and out of Russia.

            Griner, has been playing overseas during the off season and recently started playing in Russia. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, WNBA players have been leaving Russia. All other WNBA players have since evacuated. In a statement to ESPN The WNBA players union stated, “We are aware of the situation in Russia concerning one of our members, Brittney Griner. Our utmost concern is her safety and well-being.” Griner could be facing up to ten years in prison not to mention she’s in a country who just declared war on Ukraine and whose leader would undoubtedly use this as leverage against the U.S. All we can do at this time is pray for a safe return.