Brittney Griner Got Nine In Russia!

Russia gives Brittney Griner her sentence.

The Russian Federation found probable cause and Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to having vapes with marijuana traces inside it. Now the Phoenix Mercury all-star is facing nine in a Russian time out.

Tensions between the Russians and Americans have been high. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been hit with sanctions which crippled its economy. Russia has vowed to sever ties with those who supported sanctions. The Russians plan on ending their ties with the International Space Station and World Bank.

The U.S. condemns the act and are quietly working behind the scenes to have her and two other Americans freed from Russia. Griner is a native of Houston and is married with two children. Her wife, Cherelle has demanded the U.S. do more to get her out of there.

Griner, one of the most high profile figures being held in Russian custody was arrested in Feb. 2022 for having cartridges with THC. She was detained at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Khimki.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist, who appeared in court Thursday for the final hearing in her trial, was facing up to 10 years in prison although 9 1/2 years was the maximum sentence with time served. Griner has a right to appeal.

President Joe Biden slammed Russia in a statement on Thursday morning following Griner's sentencing and called on Russia to "release her immediately."

"Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," Biden said.

Calls to free Griner escalated following the release of U.S. Marine veteran Trevor Reed in April, who was freed from a Russian prison as part of a prisoner exchange. Former Marine Paul Whelan has also been detained in Russia since 2019.