WNBA
When will WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner be released by Russian authorities?
WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner's detention in Russia for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended until May 19, according to Russian news agency TASS.
Seven-time WNBA All-Star player Brittney Griner will be staying a little longer in Russia.
The center for Phoenix Mercury's detention for the possession of vape cartridges containing hash oil has been extended for two months, according to Russian news agency TASS.
Court approves extension
TASS said the Khimkinsky court of the Moscow region ruled to detain Griner for at least two more months.
"The court granted the petition of the investigation and extended the term of US citizen Griner's detention until May 19," TASS quoted the court as saying.
Beds too short for Griner
Ekaterina Kalugina, a member of Public Monitoring Commission, a body with access to Russian prisons, told TASS that Griner was sharing a cell with two other women with no previous convictions. She said that the 31-year-old's only concern was that the prison beds were too short for her 6'7" frame.
The Russian Customs Service said earlier this month a player was detained in February after arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on a flight from New York.
TASS identified the player as Griner. The Phoenix Mercury team said, "We are aware of and are closely monitoring the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia."
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Griner could face 5-10 years
A scan of the player's luggage revealed cartridges containing "liquid with hashish oil", and a criminal case has been opened carrying a possible sentence of five to 10 years in prison.
It was not clear when exactly in February Griner, who plays in Russia during the WNBA's winter off-season, was detained.
Her detention was announced after Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Earlier this month, the US warned against travel to Russia and said its embassy there had limited ability to assist citizens.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration had assigned an embassy team to work on Griner's case.
Griner won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2016 and 2021.