Brittney Griner is a WNBA star. She has won two Olympic gold medals. She is also currently in prison in Russia and facing a sentence of up to 10 years if she is found guilty.

Griner traveled to Russia back in February during the WNBA off-season. She was going to play basketball with Russia’s Premier League. Instead, she was arrested at the airport.

On February 17, 2022, when Griner arrived at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, a police dog smelled something in her luggage. Her luggage was inspected, and according to Russian police, she had hashish oil in her suitcase. This oil is illegal in Russia although it is legal in some states in the United States. 

Griner has been detained in Russia ever since she arrived at the airport. Her trial was set to begin in July 1st, and the next session of her trial is set for July 7th. Between those trial dates, on July 4th, Griner sent an open letter to President Joe Biden where she pled for him to do anything he can to get her back home to the United States. She explained that “freedom” has a new meaning to her now.

Watch the video below to learn more about what supposedly happened in court on July 1st and what to expect going forward.

According to the Biden administration, Griner has been “wrongfully detained” in Russia, but getting her home is complicated. Meanwhile, Griner’s wife believes that Griner is a “political pawn.”

On the 4th of July, Griner wasn’t the only one bringing attention to her unfair detainment. The WNBA Players Association also expressed that it was hard to celebrate the holiday while Griner was “still wrongfully detained.”

Do you think the Biden administration will be able to get Griner released and sent back to the United States? Do you think Griner will plead innocent or guilty?