Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russian court / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: REUTERS-Scanpix Credit REUTERS-Scanpix

Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court on Thursday, according to Reuters.

Brittney Griner

Position:CAge:31Height:206 cmWeight:93 kgBirth place:Houston, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," she said in court. "I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare," she added.

Griner was arrested in February for allegedly trying to bring vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis through a Moscow airport. She could face up to 10 years in prison. The next court hearing was scheduled for July 14.

In a handwritten note, Griner appealed to US President Joe Biden directly earlier this week to step up U.S. efforts to bring her home. "I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American detainees," Griner wrote. "Please do all you can to bring us home."

Biden spoke to Griner's wife on Wednesday, telling her he was working to have her released "as soon as possible", the White House said. Griner's detention has also prompted concerns that Moscow could use the two-time Olympic gold medallist to negotiate the release of a high-profile Russian citizen in U.S. custody.

Moscow's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Thursday that it was difficult to exchange prisoners with the United States and suggested Washington stop talking about Griner, who had played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Women's Basketball Premier League to boost her income during the WNBA off-season.

The Russian foreign ministry has said Griner could appeal her sentence or apply for clemency once a verdict has been delivered.

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