Jul 27, 2021; Saitama, Japan; USA player Brittney Griner (15) grabs a rebound against Nigeria during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Olympics: Basketball-Women Group B – NGR-USA
WNBA player Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in Russia. Griner, who like many other professional women basketball players, plays overseas for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA’s offseason. While in Sheremetyevo International Airport near Moscow returning home to the states in February, Griner was detained for allegedly bringing vape cartridges containing oils derived from marijuana.
Griner’s detainment has been a subject of debate for multiple reasons. For starters, the argument has been raised as to why Griner was in Russia in the first place. In the WNBA, the league’s highest salary is $228,094. It has been a common theme that in order to make a full-time living, WNBA players join overseas teams to play year-round in order to make a comfortable living. This has been a debate due to the fact that according to Basketball Noise, the lowest paid NBA player made $92,857 last season.
The second argument regarding Griner’s detainment has to do with a political standoff between Russia and The United States. Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February, politicians across the globe have shown support towards Ukraine and have found ways to cut off Russia economically. Because of this, people believe that Griner has been used as somewhat of a political pawn as tensions between the U.S. and Russia increase.
Due to the charges that are against her, Griner faces up to 10 years in Russian prison. Griner and her family have reached out to President Biden to ask for his help in ensuring her release and getting her home safely and The White House have responded stating that “he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible.” It is speculated that by Griner pleading guilty, this opens the door for Russia and the U.S. to partake in a prisoner swap involving Griner and another Russian who is imprisoned in the United States.
Griner is expected to be back in court July 14th.
