Brittney Griner situation explained: Why WNBA star was in Russia before her arrest and politicians' response
Brittney Griner, a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, remains in Russian custody after being detained last month at Sheremetyevo International Airport. The Russian Federal Customs Service claims to have found vape cartridges containing the marijuana concentrate hashish oil in Griner's luggage. The 31-year-old Griner is under criminal investigation for "large-scale transportation of drugs, an offense that can carry a sentence of up to 10 years behind bars in Russia," according to The New York Times. The Phoenix Mercury, Griner's WNBA team, and the WNBPA both issued their support. Video of Griner attempting to pass through airport screening emerged from Russian customs on Saturday, but the service didn't identify the former Baylor star by name. The Russian news agency TASS later confirmed it was Griner, and Russian state TV released an undated photo of her at a police station Saturday. The two-time Olympic gold medallist wa...