Controversial WNBA star Brittney Griner is all over the news currently. She has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian court and the chances of her return are very bleak.
Following her arrest earlier this year, officials from the United States of America have tried to bring her back to the country. However, given the circumstances, negotiations have been very bleak.
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Living in prison is no easy task and Griner has already spent more than 200 days. Various reports have talked about her deteriorating mental and physical health. However, it seems the worst is yet to come. A 2021 report on Russian Human Abuse talked about some of the issues faced by inmates while in prison.
According to the report, “Overcrowding, abuse by guards and inmates, limited access to health care, food shortages, and inadequate sanitation were common in prisons, penal colonies, and other detention facilities.” With Griner’s sentence approaching the one-year mark, there is a long way to go for the Phoenix Mercury star.
Brittney Griner had her latest appeal rejected
Lawyers and family members of Brittney Griner awaited eagerly for the 25th of October. This date was significant as the court entertained appeals from Griner’s side for her release.
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PALMETTO, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury walks hand and hand with wife Cherelle Watson after defeating the Dallas Wings at Feld Entertainment Center on August 10, 2020 in Palmetto, Florida.(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
However, it ended in heartbreak for the basketball star. According to reports, “A Russian court on Tuesday dismissed U.S. WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner’s appeal against a nine-year sentence for possessing and smuggling vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.”
With Griner’s release looking bleak, the US Government has been trying its best to find a solution. A prisoner swap deal was proposed by the officials and the POTUS Joe Biden himself.
Notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout would be sent back to Russia in case of a prisoner swap. On the other hand, Brittney Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan will be sent back to the United States of America.
Athletes and celebrities across the world have been quite vocal about Griner’s situation. NBA superstars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James have openly talked about their WNBA counterpart.
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What are your thoughts on the Brittney Griner situation? Let us know in the comments down below.
