American pro basketball player Brittney Griner was born in Houston, Texas, on October 18, 1990. Phoenix Mercury drafted her in the first round of the 2013 WNBA with a first overall pick. With a height of 6’9″ feet, this center position player has earned many awards.
The following year, right after her selection, Griner won the title of WNBA championship. She has won so many awards that it becomes impossible to remember them; however, I decided to enlist her ten best professional career awards below.
- WNBA champion
- Eight times WNBA all-star
- Two times WNBA peak performer
- WNBA all-rookie team (2013)
- Russian National League (RNL) Championship
- Four times euro leagues championship
- Eight times WNBA block leader
- Two times WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
- Four times WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
- Four times All-WNBA First Team
Brittney Griner has received four medals, including two from the Olympics games, one in Turkey and the last in Spain.
Like some of the other players, Brittney Griner has also been suspected of drug use, and her trial continues.
BRITTNEY GRINER: WHAT IS SHE DOING IN RUSSIA?
According to various media reports, Phoenix Mercury’s center position player Brittney Griner was caught at the Moscow airport carrying cannabis oil in her gear. It was February 17, 2022, when she was detained; however, this period was extended on Tuesday for 18 days upon the request of the court representative.
Russian court previously decided to keep her in custody until May 19, and later on, this period was extended until mid-June.
31-years-old WNBA start Brittney Griner can go to jail for ten years if she is convicted of violating Russian custom laws regarding cannabis oil.
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THE STORY BEHIND WNBA’s RENOWNED STAR CANNABIS OIL CASE
Albeit Griner’s representative didn’t pass any comments on the case, her agent, Lindsay Colas, said, “further reinforcement that Brittney Griner – an Olympian and an American citizen – is being used as a political pawn.” She further added, “Her detention is inhumane and unacceptable.”
Ms Colas said Griner had not made a single call since her detention. A representative of the US state department met Ms Griner on May 17. Moreover, Ned Price- a state department spokesperson, said that Brittney Griner should be released without detaining her any longer.
In response to a question Mr Price Said, “Our position for some time on this has been unequivocal: Brittney Griner should not be detained.”
US government is collaborating with Phoenix Mercury’s management and has continued discussions with them regarding bringing their team player back to the US.
While appreciating the state department’s efforts in the case, Diana Taurasi said, “There is a lot involved in getting her back home and safe; they’re working relentlessly,” she further added, “We’re here to do whatever we can to amplify and keep BG at the forefront, which is more important than any basketball game and anything else that’s going on in our lives.”
Many people are furious against the Russian barbaric moves; some call it “revenge” while others call it “Barbaric and Unjust.” In the last week, many NBA and WNBA players showed unity with Brittney Griner by wearing Mercury Jersey number, i.e. 42.
For communication purposes, her loved ones can communicate with her via email. Her lawyer can share emails with her in print after a thorough examination by Russian officials.
Around half of the WNBA players participate in foreign leagues during the off-season in the US, similar to the case with Griner. She went there to join EuroLeague as part of the UMMC team with whom she has been playing since 2014. However, these times things were not the same, and unfortunately, Russian officials detained her in the case of carrying cannabis oil.
It is also noteworthy that WNBA players are paid around five times more than they get in the US, so most WNBA players are attracted to Russia.
According to Esquire Digital chief analyst Aron Solomon, the trial will never happen, and whoever believes in Russian statements, in this case, will be a fool.
“She will either be clandestinely found guilty and sent to a prison camp or she will be in a prisoner swap,” Aron said.
Do let me know your views on this case!
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