The famous American basketball player Britney Grenier, in Russia, was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, on suspicion of possessing essential cannabis oil. The news I reported The New York TimesArrived February 17: From that moment on, nothing was known about the NBA star, except that she could risk imprisonment for five to ten years.
Because of the war in Ukraine, the New York Times warned from the start, the Grenier case could turn into a real diplomatic issue. Griner plays for the American Phoenix Mercury and was selected seven times for the All Star Team. He played on the US team for the 2016 and 2021 Olympics. Grenier was in Russia because, in the weeks since the US Championships, he took the opportunity to play for the Yekaterinburg jersey.
From the moment of her arrest, the US State Department revealed, the player was only able to speak with her lawyer, who would then pass on some information to the agent and the player’s family. There is no information about his whereabouts. From what emerged, Griner remains in custody pending trial: it has not been revealed how and when it will take place.
Cannabis in Russia is an illegal substance: this is the official reason for the arrest, even if the United States considers the arrest a pretext and fears that the player will not receive fair legal treatment. Concerns are rising in light of the conflict in Ukraine and rising tensions between Moscow and Washington.
Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee immediately released the player, while another party member, John Garamendi, said that due to the ongoing conflict, it may be difficult to negotiate freedom for the NBA star.
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