WNBA All-Star & Olympic Gold Medalist Brittney Griner Detained In Russia For Possession Of Cannabis Cartridge + Her Wife Speaks Out

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner – WNBA All-Star & Olympic Gold Medalist Detained In Russia For Possession Of Cannabis Cartridge

WNBA star Brittney Griner found herself in an unfortunate predicament while playing overseas in Russia.

According to reports, the Phoenix, AZ Mercury basketball ball team’s center is being held in Russia after being stopped and detained  at an airport near Moscow for carrying cannabis oil in her luggage.

Brittney Griner

Two time olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner has been a ghost on her social accounts since her reported arrest in Russia on February 5th. According to reports, the Russian Federal Customs Service initially did not release the identity of the person arrested for having hashish oil vape cartridges in their luggage, just that it was an American basketball player who had won two Olympic gold medals. However, a Russian news service soon after identified the player as 31-year-old Brittney Griner, along with the release of security video that appears to be Brittney going through customs, and an employee removing something from her bag.

The arrest reportedly took place prior to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine and happened while the championship winning basketball star was playing for a Russian basketball team she’s been with since 2015. WNBA players often play in Russia during their offseason to account for the lack of salary received in the US.

According to reports, The Phoenix Mercury released a statement on Saturday morning writing:

“We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia. We remain in constant contact with her family, her representation, the WNBA and NBA. We love and support Brittney and at this time our main concern is her safety, physical and mental health, and her safe return home.”

The US Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken declined to comment due to privacy, but offered the following statement in regards to Brittney’s arrest:

“We have an embassy team that’s working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia.We’re doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected”

Brittney’s wife, Cherelle Griner, took to her instagram account yesterday (March, 5) to address her wife’s arrest, and thank everyone for showing their support as she asks for privacy during this time.

Brittney Griner & Wife Cherelle Griner

On the post she writes:

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely.

Thank you!”

As reported, Brittney Griner has not been seen on social accounts nor released any personal statements since February 5th.

[VIA]

What are your thoughts on Brittney’s arrest in Russia? Leave them in the comment section!