WNBA Star Brittney Griner's Russia Arrest Extended To May

Houston TX

17 March, 2022

1:25 PM

Description

WNBA star Brittney Griner's detention in Russia was extended to May 19 by a Moscow court Thursday, according to Russia's state news agency. Griner, who plays center for the Phoenix Mercury, was arrested at a Moscow airport in February when a search of her luggage found vape cartridges containing an oil derived from cannabis, according to Russian authorities. The charge carries a maximum 10-year sentence. The court allowed the extension at the request of the investigation, according to the report. When she was arrested, Griner was returning to the United States after playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier League. The WNBA season is scheduled to begin May 6. There are concerns that Russia could be using Griner as a high-profile hostage and leverage in light of Western sanctions against Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. Griner is one of the most decorated women's basketball players of all time. She was an All-American at Nimitz High School in Houston and was named national player of the year her senior season. At Baylor, Griner helped the Bears to a national championship in 2012 and was a three-time All-American, leading her to be chosen first overall by the Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft. Griner was a centerpiece on the Mercury's 2014 WNBA title team, and she has been named All-WNBA six times. She currently is first in WNBA history with 2.8 blocks per game. The Associated Press contributed to this report.