Brittney Griner’s possible fate is revealed amidst trial
For WNBA fans, Brittney Griner is a name most are familiar with. However, things have shifted for the WNBA player since the beginning of 2022.
Before getting into the details, it’s worth noting that WNBA players are paid peanuts compared to their NBA counterparts. While that might seem irrelevant, it’s a massive part of why Brittney Griner is in the situation she’s in.
With WNBA players getting paid so minuscule, a lot of them decide to play on teams overseas as a way to make more money. That’s why Brittney Griner was in Russia as she was playing for a Russian basketball team to essentially earn more money and was detained for carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil.
After Griner was detained, she’s been unable to leave Russia and the verdict may result in her staying there much longer.
What are the consequences Brittney Griner could be facing?
Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February and her trial just began in July. At this point, Griner has been detained for almost six months and her trial could go on much longer. That’s just one piece of the puzzle, though.
According to NPR, these six months could be just the start for her as “She could face up to 10 years in prison if she’s convicted of drug smuggling charges.” Honestly, it’s unclear when or if Griner will end up, doing time. Considering the tensions between Russia and Ukraine though, it seems likely unless the US is able to figure out something with Russia.
On the 4th of July, Griner wrote a letter addressed to President Biden, and some excerpts were shared with the public, “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.” Clearly, Griner is struggling and the possibility of what’s to come is weighing on her immensely.
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At this point, the White House has reached out to Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner and things seem better. Hopefully, things work out in the end but right now, it’s all up in the air. Even so, it’s worth watching to see how Griner’s story plays out within the next few weeks and months.