WNBA star Brittney Griner was convicted Thursday in Russia of cannabis possession and sentenced to nine years in prison — despite her insistence that she “made an honest mistake” and her tearful pleas for mercy.
Standing in a cage reserved for defendants at the Khimki court outside Moscow, Griner, 31, remained stone-faced upon hearing the verdict.
As part of the punishment phase, Griner also will be required to pay a $16,300 fine. Asked if she understood the sentence, Griner replied in English: “Yes, I understand, your honor.”
Later, as she was being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, Griner told a gaggle of reporters: “I love my family.”
Minutes after sentencing, the White House released a statement on behalf of President Biden, condemning the outcome of Griner’s drug trial.
nypost.com/2022/08/04/russia-prosecutors-seek-9-5-year-sentence-for-brittney-griner/