WNBA star Brittney Griner has been found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia. Despite months of pleas for her release, the judge sentenced the WNBA star to nine years in prison.
Following the sentencing, President Biden released a statement demanding her release.
“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,” the statement read. “It’s unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates. My administration will continue to work tirelessly and pursue every possible avenue to bring Brittney and Paul Whelan home safely as soon as possible.”
Reuters reports, "Griner's sentencing could now pave the way for a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap that would include the 31-year-old athlete and an imprisoned Russian who was once a prolific arms dealer."