WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in custody by Russian authorities, according to a story from the New York Times that mentions a Russian news agency as the one that identified her.
The Russian Customs Service announced it has held Grimes in detention for almost a month after finding vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
USA Basketball Federation and the Phoenix Mercury released separate statements claiming they are ‘aware of and closely monitoring the situation’. However, they did not share further information around the situation.
USA Basketball is aware of and closely monitoring the legal situation facing Brittney Griner in Russia. Brittney has always handled herself with the utmost professionalism during her long tenure with USA Basketball and her safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns. — USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 5, 2022
A criminal case on the large-scale transportation of drugs has been opened on the Mercury basketball player, according to Times, which are referring to the statement obtained from Customs Service. This could mean 5-10 years imprisonment in Russia.
Griner, like other WNBA players, plays overseas during the WNBA offseason. Most recently, she was part of Russian club UMMC Ekaterinburg.
Statement from the WNBPA regarding Brittney Griner. pic.twitter.com/Bw9sVCJAlX — WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) March 5, 2022
The basketball player’s detainment comes as tensions are rising between the United States and Russia after the invasion in Ukraine.
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