Russian court sentences US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in jail. US basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted on Thursday in Russia of drug possession.
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The 31-year-old Griner, a two-time US Olympic champion and a eight-time all-star with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury listened with a blank expression as an interpreter translated the verdict.
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The judge also fined 1 million rubles (about $16,700) fine. The court "found the defendant guilty" of smuggling and possessing "a significant amount of narcotics."
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The six-foot-nine (2.06 metres) star was detained at a Moscow airport in February after she was found carrying vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage.
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US President Joe Biden immediately released a statement, calling the Russian court's sentencing of Griner "unacceptable."
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"Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. It's unacceptable and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends and teammates," Biden said.
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"I made an honest mistake and I hope that your ruling doesn't end my life here," Griner said earlier Thursday.
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The Phoenix Mercury center proposed to Cherelle in August 2018, and the duo tied the knot nearly one year later.
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