The Houston native and WNBA All-Star was found guilty of drug possession and smuggling Thursday.
US' Women's National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on August 4, 2022.
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty ImagesWNBA All-Star Brittney Griner has been sentenced to nine years in Russian prison after being found guilty of drug possesion and smuggling for allegedly carrying cannabis oil in her luggage while at a Moscow airport earlier this year.
President Joe Biden issued a statement following the verdict, calling for Griner's immediate 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," Biden said. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately."
The verdict comes weeks after Griner, a 31-year-old Houston native, pleaded guilty to the drug charges. In court Thursday, Griner explained that she had no intention on breaking any Russian laws, adding "I know everybody keeps talking about 'political pawn' and politics, but I hope that is far from this courtroom. I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn't end my life here," per Reuters.
Griner also apologized for the "embarrassment" she said she brought to her family, friends and teammates.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, my club, my fans and the city of (Yekaterinburg) for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them," Griner said. "I want to also apologize to my parents, my siblings, the Phoenix Mercury organization back at home, the amazing women of the WNBA, and my amazing spouse back at home." Griner has been married to her wife, Cherelle Griner, since 2019.
Griner also apologized to her Russian teammates for any damage she may have caused, adding that "this is my second home and all I wanted to do was win championships and make them proud."
The Biden administration is reportedly working to secure a prisoner swap deal with Russia to bring Griner and U.S. Marine Paul Whelan. A rumored prisoner trade could see the U.S. release notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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