The crisis surrounding Pheonix Mercury star Brittney Griner continues.
Less than a week after her wife’s plea to bring Griner back to safety, it was reported that the 31-year-old would have her detention time extended by 6 months.
The ruling was made at yesterday’s preliminary hearing, where Russia decided that the Center will stand trial in Moscow on Friday, July 1st.
Griner has been detained since February when she was arrested for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with traces of hashish oil in her luggage, a banned substance in Russia.
The country is currently embroiled in a conflict with Ukraine, that can potentially compromise secondary parties if direct interference had taken place.
Focus groups, family, and celebs such as Lakers star LeBron James have reached out to President Joe Biden and his administration for some action to return the basketball star home.
To this point, there have been no additional moves taken to alleviate the situation.
Update: Biden responds, Griner pleads guilty
Following the trial’s hearing today, it was reported that Phoenix Mercury star plead guilty to the drug charges issued to her back in February.
Griner spoke to the grand jury, implying that it was an accident with no intent to break the law, per ESPN’s T.J Quinn.
Announcing her sentiments, the multi-time All-Star stated that she will give her testimony later on, as she is next due in court on July 14th.
It is speculated that Griner’s camp took this stance with the premise, that it may eventually lead to her release:
In light of the case, President Joe Biden reached out to the Griner family on Wednesday. The POTUS spoke to the WNBA star’s wife Cherelle, reassuring her and the Griner that the administration will bring the 31-year-old home.
If convicted, Griner could face up to 10 years in prison due to large-scale transportation of drugs.
