MOSCOW, RUSSIA – Basketball player Brittney Griner has been found guilty of drug charges in Russia.
Griner was caught with illegal drugs while traveling in Russia. There are stiff penalties in Russia for drug possession. Griner claimed the drugs were for medicinal purposes.
After the guilty verdict, she faces over 9 years in prison as a possible sentence.
The U.S. government has been working to free Griner, but an outcome to the case has been a key piece to those negotiations. She will likely be sent to a prison camp to server a sentence as a possible prisoner exchange is negotiated.
Griner is a 2-time Olympic gold medalist for Team USA. She is married to Cherelle Watson.