Brittney Griner, WNBA star, was arrested in Russia for drug charges. Russian officials said that she was found with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.
USA Basketball tweeted Saturday that it was monitoring the situation.
The tweet stated that Brittney “has always treated herself with professionalism throughout her long tenure at USA Basketball, and her safety is our primary concern.”
Griner was taken into custody after Russian Federal Customs Service discovered that her luggage contained hashish oil. This offense could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
Lindsay Kagawa Colas Griner’s agent said that she couldn’t give any further details as it is a legal matter.
Griner, a center for WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, has been playing in Russia for seven years. Griner last played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg’s team on Jan. 29, before the league went on a two-week break to qualify for the FIBA World Cup tournaments.
Griner, 31 years old, has won two Olympic gold medals for the U.S.A, a WNBA championship in the Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. Griner is a seven-time All-Star.
Phoenix Mercury stated in a statement that she has been in touch with her family members and representative.
The team stated that Brittney is loved and supported by them. Their main concern at the moment was her safety, mental and physical health, as well as her safe return home.
This detention comes amid an escalating conflict caused by Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The State Department issued a “do-not travel” advisory to Russia on Saturday and asked all Americans to immediately leave.
