Sports

WNBA star detained by Moscow on alleged drug charges

U.S. authorities have raised concerns that the Kremlin is using Griner in order to negotiate a prisoner exchange or to gain an advantage as the West continues to consider sanctions against Moscow ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

By Andy Leal Cerdá

March 7, 2022 1:05pm

Updated: March 8, 2022 10:43am

WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested last month at a Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport after Russian customs officials discovered an electronic cigarette containing cannabis oil among her possessions.

The 31-year-old center traveled to Russia to play with Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg where she earns over $1 million per season – although she still plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury during the regular season. WNBA players are known to play abroad when they are out of season as they receive much higher salaries than in the United States.

In a statement on Saturday, Griner’s agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, said her family was aware of the situation and was working with attorneys to help bring her home.

“We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA,” Kagawa Colas said. “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”

Diplomats were working to ensure the release of American basketball player Brittney Griner after Russia said she had been detained for possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said https://t.co/9RkDgrAQTI pic.twitter.com/RAossg7c9k
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 7, 2022

Griner is one of the U.S. women’s nation team’s most renowned players and won gold at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics in 2016 and 2021, respectively, in addition to two World Cup championships.

According to the New York Times, U.S. authorities have raised concerns that the Kremlin is using Griner in order to negotiate a prisoner exchange or to gain an advantage as the West continues to consider sanctions against Moscow ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"My biggest fear is that ... she'll be a political pawn."

Debbie Jackson, high school coach of WNBA star Brittney Griner, speaks to CNN's @RosaFlores following Griner's arrest in Russia on drug charges . Watch the full story here: https://t.co/aBR7i3Y1Z7 pic.twitter.com/AGC4nT2RtU
— CNN (@CNN) March 7, 2022

Phoenix Mercury executives have also confirmed that they are workign to get their player released as soon as possible. If found guilty, she could face up to ten years in prison.