. She became famous in 2008, when a video of her high school dunks hit YouTube. In 2012, it was largely thanks to her that Baylor’s team won the US academic championship, winning all 40 games during the season. A year later, Phoenix Mercury picked her as number 1 in the draft and Griner began to dominate female basketball. The American is the Olympic champion from 2016 and 2021, as well as a seven-time All-Star winner, the WNBA champion.
The new WNBA season will start in less than two months, and Griner is held in Russia, where – off the WNBA season – she played in the local league for the UMMC Yekaterinburg team. The date and circumstances of Griner’s arrest are unknown. It is known that she faces up to 10 years in prison. Russian customs officials found hash oil in her luggage, which, despite its medicinal properties, is considered an illegal substance. The district court in Khimki extended her detention until May 19. But it is not known when she will be released.
Brittney Griner becomes a political prisoner?
The context of the whole situation is also important, because for three weeks the Russians – in conflict with the United States for years – attacked Ukraine, so they can treat the basketball woman’s arrest as part of the political game.
– In the face of all the problems with Russia and their attack on Ukraine, has Brittney become a political bargaining chip? Debbie Jackson, Griner college coach, wonders.
“Griner officials declined to comment on her status, except that they were working on her return to the United States. The uncertainty caused a stir among fans and supporters of Griner, an extraordinary player known for her unparalleled dunks, but also for becoming one of the most recognizable female athletes openly declaring their homosexual orientation, advertised Nike men’s clothing as the first openly gay athlete supported by the brand, “the New York Times reads.
Fans can hope that the political transfer of this matter will not make it difficult for the American to return home.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
