Two-time Olympic champion Brittney Griner has signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Mercury WNBA. It is reported by the Associated Press.
In December, after returning from Russia, Greiner, 32, announced plans to play for Phoenix again. At the same time, the basketball player missed the training camp of the US national team in early February.
The WNBA said it was ready to provide Greiner with special conditions for traveling to matches, including charter flights.
Greiner was selected by Phoenix in the 2013 draft under the first number and in the WNBA she played only for this club, and in Russia since 2014 she played for UMMC.
The next 12-team WNBA season will run from May 19 to September 10.
Greiner was detained in February 2022 at Sheremetyevo Airport after vape cartridges with hash oil were found in her luggage. Against the American, a criminal case was initiated on drug smuggling in a significant amount; in July, Griner pleaded guilty, but denied the intent to commit a crime. In August, the Khimki court sentenced the basketball player to nine years in prison and a large fine.
On December 8, Greiner was exchanged at the Abu Dhabi airport for Viktor Bout, a Russian citizen convicted in the United States of arms trafficking and supporting terrorism.
Source: Rosbalt
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