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WNBA Player Brittney Griner Arrested and Detained in Russia

HeadlineMar 07, 2022

Russian officials have confirmed the arrest last month of WNBA player Brittney Griner, after authorities say they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage at an airport near Moscow. The charges Griner faces can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Griner, who is African American, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a seven-time WNBA all-star. She’s played for a team in Russia for the past seven years. Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, said on social media they’re fighting for Griner’s release and return to the U.S. Over the weekend, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory to Russia and warned U.S. nationals the Embassy in Moscow has limited power to assist citizens in the country.

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