Alleged drug offense
US Olympic champion faces arrest in Russia
03/05/2022, 10:58 p.m
Two-time Olympic champion Brittney Griner has been arrested in Russia and the basketball player faces a long prison sentence. Griner is said to have committed a drug offense. The athlete plays for a Russian club and was searched upon entry.
Amidst tensions between Moscow and Washington over the Ukraine war, Russian authorities say they have arrested a US basketball player and two-time Olympic champion on alleged drug possession. In February, the hand luggage of the athlete who had traveled from New York was searched, the Russian customs authorities said. “Evaporators” and “a liquid with a special smell” were found. The basketball governing body of the USA announced that it was the player Brittney Griner.
An expert has determined that it is intoxicating cannabis oil, the Russian side said. According to Customs, Griner, who is a member of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), faces five to 10 years in prison. According to the responsible authority, the athlete is currently in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
USA Basketball, the umbrella organization of the sport of the same name in the USA, explained in the short message service Twitter that Griner’s legal situation was known and was being closely monitored. “Brittney has always conducted herself with the utmost professionalism throughout her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and well-being are our primary concern,” the association said.
The 31-year-old athlete’s team said: “We love and support Brittney and at this time our primary concern is her safety, physical and mental health and her safe return home.” Many women from the WNBA play off-season in European basketball leagues, including Russia and Ukraine.