Athlete Ally Responds to Brittney Griner’s Sentencing
August 4, 2022 — Athlete Ally responded today to news that WNBA player and Olympian Brittney Griner has been sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison after being found guilty of drug possession and smuggling by a Russian court.
On February 17, 2022, Griner was detained upon her arrival in Moscow after authorities found less than 1 gram of cannabis oil in her luggage. Two months later, the U.S. State Department classified Griner as a “wrongful detention,” signaling that the government seeks to negotiate her release.
We are devastated by the news of Brittney Griner’s sentencing. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a EuroLeague Champion and a Russian League Champion, Griner is a powerful ambassador of sport who has fans all over the world. We extend our love and support to Brittney and her loved ones, and we will continue to support efforts to bring her home swiftly and safely.