Brittney Griner’s detention reportedly extended for third time

WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, news agency Tass reported (h/t Sportnet.ca) Tuesday.

The Khimki district court of the Moscow region extended Griner’s detention for a third time, according to the Tass report.

The Mercury’s and USA Team player has been held in Russia on drug-smuggling accusations since February.

The United States classified Griner as wrongfully detained, as she’s remains in custody for six months.

Her supporters continue to advocate for her release, with some raising concerns that Russia might use her as a bargaining chip amid tensions over the war in Ukraine.

The WNBA superstar was detained in Moscow airport on Feb.2 after authorities claimed that she was carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

Griner, 31, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and has played in Russia during the WNBA offseason. The Houston native plays for the WNBA powerhouse Phoenix Mercury.

State Department said they learned of the extension in her detention only through Tass.