In a story that feels like something out of a horror movie, in 2022, one of the greatest basketball players in the world was stopped, detained, and arrested in Russia on her way out of the country. Over 10 months, Brittney Griner was jailed and used as a political football in Russia’s efforts to force the United States government into a prisoner exchange. Now, she talks about her time in captivity for the first time. On Wednesday, May 1, Griner will discuss her ordeal with ABC’s Robin Roberts in “Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview.” You can watch with a 3-Day Free Trial of Hulu Live TV.
How to Watch 'Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview' When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00 Pm Edt Where: Hulu Live TV Stream: Watch with a 3-Day Free Trial of Hulu Live TV. Free 3-Day Trio Trial$76.99+ / month hulu.com About 'Prisoner in Russia:...
How to Watch 'Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview' When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00 Pm Edt Where: Hulu Live TV Stream: Watch with a 3-Day Free Trial of Hulu Live TV. Free 3-Day Trio Trial$76.99+ / month hulu.com About 'Prisoner in Russia:...
- 5/1/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Disney wants to get into the Brittney Griner business.
The inspirational WNBA All-Star, who was arrested and held in Russia in 2022 and sentenced to nine years in prison, will give Disney the exclusive rights to share her story via a documentary feature from ESPN Films, the development of a scripted series through ABC Signature and an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor Robin Roberts. Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, will also serve as an executive producer on the projects.
“Brittney is an exceptional athlete whose hardship and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Burke Magnus, president, content, ESPN, in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with her to tell the nuances of her story and feel confident that this documentary will captivate audiences everywhere.”
Disney has tried to spotlight athletes with stirring stories in the past. In 2020, the company struck a first-look deal with former NFL quarterback...
The inspirational WNBA All-Star, who was arrested and held in Russia in 2022 and sentenced to nine years in prison, will give Disney the exclusive rights to share her story via a documentary feature from ESPN Films, the development of a scripted series through ABC Signature and an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor Robin Roberts. Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, will also serve as an executive producer on the projects.
“Brittney is an exceptional athlete whose hardship and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Burke Magnus, president, content, ESPN, in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with her to tell the nuances of her story and feel confident that this documentary will captivate audiences everywhere.”
Disney has tried to spotlight athletes with stirring stories in the past. In 2020, the company struck a first-look deal with former NFL quarterback...
- 12/7/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Brittney Griner will be the subject of an ESPN documentary, and potentially a scripted series from ABC Signature as well.
The WNBA star has partnered with the two Disney units to tell her story, including the months she spent in a Russian prison after being arrested for cannabis possession in 2022. The deal also includes an exclusive interview with Robin Roberts of ABC News, with an airdate still to be determined.
“The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” Griner said in a statement. “I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that.”
Griner, an eight-time WNBA All-Star, was arrested in...
The WNBA star has partnered with the two Disney units to tell her story, including the months she spent in a Russian prison after being arrested for cannabis possession in 2022. The deal also includes an exclusive interview with Robin Roberts of ABC News, with an airdate still to be determined.
“The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” Griner said in a statement. “I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that.”
Griner, an eight-time WNBA All-Star, was arrested in...
- 12/7/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A year after WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from a Russian prison, she has signed a sweeping deal with Disney.
The basketball star has signed up to tell her story in a documentary feature from ESPN Films and a scripted series in development with ABC Signature as well as her first exclusive interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.
The projects will be exec produced by Brittney’s wife Cherelle Griner as well as her longtime manager Lindsay Kagawa, who is EVP Talent, Wasserman and The Collective, and Brillstein’s Co-CEO Jon Liebman.
It marks a partnership between Brillstein and Wasserman, which serves as the production company, that started nearly a year before the latter acquired the former in a massive deal in the representation space. That deal gave Wasserman access to Brillstein’s expertise in the entertainment space and gave Brillstein access to Wasserman clients. This Griner deal, which...
The basketball star has signed up to tell her story in a documentary feature from ESPN Films and a scripted series in development with ABC Signature as well as her first exclusive interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.
The projects will be exec produced by Brittney’s wife Cherelle Griner as well as her longtime manager Lindsay Kagawa, who is EVP Talent, Wasserman and The Collective, and Brillstein’s Co-CEO Jon Liebman.
It marks a partnership between Brillstein and Wasserman, which serves as the production company, that started nearly a year before the latter acquired the former in a massive deal in the representation space. That deal gave Wasserman access to Brillstein’s expertise in the entertainment space and gave Brillstein access to Wasserman clients. This Griner deal, which...
- 12/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittney Griner is ready to tell her story.
The Olympic gold medalist and WNBA All-Star — whose year-long detention and imprisonment in Russia sparked an international outcry — has inked a wide-ranging deal with Disney Entertainment Television that includes an ESPN documentary, a limited series at ABC and an exclusive interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
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“The last two years have been the most harrowing,...
The Olympic gold medalist and WNBA All-Star — whose year-long detention and imprisonment in Russia sparked an international outcry — has inked a wide-ranging deal with Disney Entertainment Television that includes an ESPN documentary, a limited series at ABC and an exclusive interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
More from TVLineThe Bachelor Trailer: Joey's Search for Love Includes Flying Sausages, Catfights and a Shocker of an EndingThe Rookie Celebrates 100 Episodes - Watch One 'Grateful' Star's Very Fun BTS VideoRatings: DWTS Audience Grows With Xl Finale
“The last two years have been the most harrowing,...
- 12/7/2023
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Brittney and Cherelle Griner have been booked and busy. Just two days after attending the star-studded White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC on April 29, the WNBA star and her wife traveled to New York City to make their Met Gala debut. The couple were all smiles as they posed on the museum steps in monochromatic Calvin Klein designs - Brittney wore a champagne-colored suit and sheer top that showed off her chest tattoo, while Cherelle exuded classic glamour in a strapless white dress and black pointed-toe heels.
During an interview with Vogue, the pair spoke to red carpet host La La Anthony about the significance of their presence at the event. "It means everything just to be here with my wife . . . We get to see this event a lot, and to actually live it is amazing," said Brittney, who was named one of Time's most 100 influential people of 2023. Cherelle added,...
During an interview with Vogue, the pair spoke to red carpet host La La Anthony about the significance of their presence at the event. "It means everything just to be here with my wife . . . We get to see this event a lot, and to actually live it is amazing," said Brittney, who was named one of Time's most 100 influential people of 2023. Cherelle added,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Victoria Messina
- Popsugar.com
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend looked so glamorous on the red carpet at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night that no one would guess Teigen spent the previous week recouping from a cruise-related illness. The cookbook author chronicled her week-long recovery on social media after she and Legend took their three children - Luna, Miles, and baby Esti - on a Disney cruise.
On April 21, Teigen tweeted about just how gross she was feeling. "I have never been more sore, I'm coughing up . . . something, the bottoms of my feet are roasted rotisserie, I just got phone service and I still feel like we are rocking. currently leaving from Melbourne, Florida, which actually has the cutest little airport I ever did see," she wrote. In a subsequent tweet she added, "4 days ago feels like . . . so long ago. our kids must never Ever forget we did this for them. Solidarity...
On April 21, Teigen tweeted about just how gross she was feeling. "I have never been more sore, I'm coughing up . . . something, the bottoms of my feet are roasted rotisserie, I just got phone service and I still feel like we are rocking. currently leaving from Melbourne, Florida, which actually has the cutest little airport I ever did see," she wrote. In a subsequent tweet she added, "4 days ago feels like . . . so long ago. our kids must never Ever forget we did this for them. Solidarity...
- 4/30/2023
- by Sabienna Bowman
- Popsugar.com
Brittney Griner made a special appearance at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, just over a year after her initial detainment in Russia.
“As we gather here tonight in the spirit of overcoming adversity, I want to take a moment to recognize someone who has done just that,” host Queen Latifah said as she introduced the professional basketball player. “Back home, back here with us tonight where she belongs, our sis, Brittany Griner.”
Griner was arrested in Russia in February 2022 when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, The Associated Press reported. Her case quickly gained national attention since she is an openly gay Black woman, detained in a country where authorities have been hostile to the Lbgtq community.
She was sentenced in August and remained jailed until December when American and Russian officials said Griner was freed in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange,...
“As we gather here tonight in the spirit of overcoming adversity, I want to take a moment to recognize someone who has done just that,” host Queen Latifah said as she introduced the professional basketball player. “Back home, back here with us tonight where she belongs, our sis, Brittany Griner.”
Griner was arrested in Russia in February 2022 when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage, The Associated Press reported. Her case quickly gained national attention since she is an openly gay Black woman, detained in a country where authorities have been hostile to the Lbgtq community.
She was sentenced in August and remained jailed until December when American and Russian officials said Griner was freed in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange,...
- 2/26/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Damar Hamlin's toy drive is now a substantial community fundraiser. Just hours after the 24-year-old Buffalo Bills player suffered cardiac arrest during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2, fans donated over 4.5 million - or one donation every 0.3 seconds - to The Chasing M's Foundation charity, which supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, and camp initiatives for kids.
According to the charity's GoFundMe page, the purpose of the fundraiser is to "positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic." According to NPR, Hamlin's original goal was to raise 2,500, a target that supporters have eclipsed by nearly 2,000 percent in a matter of hours.
"As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me," Hamlin previously wrote. The athlete became one of the Bills...
According to the charity's GoFundMe page, the purpose of the fundraiser is to "positively impact children who have been hardest hit by the pandemic." According to NPR, Hamlin's original goal was to raise 2,500, a target that supporters have eclipsed by nearly 2,000 percent in a matter of hours.
"As I embark on my journey to the NFL, I will never forget where I come from and I am committed to using my platform to positively impact the community that raised me," Hamlin previously wrote. The athlete became one of the Bills...
- 1/3/2023
- by Chanel Vargas
- Popsugar.com
Cherelle Griner is beyond happy her wife is back home.
In a new interview with People, the wife of Brittney Griner opens up about the experience of watching from afar as the basketball star was jailed in Russia, and her release earlier this month.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“It was almost as if somebody just punched you in the stomach and you inhaled,” Cherelle says of Brittney’s arrest and sentencing for smuggling illegal drugs. “You never get to breathe out.”
She says of the 10 months her wife spent locked up, “I was hopeless a lot of days. You try and stay grounded, but I’m human. Still, I would never completely give up hope on my wife’s life.”
Finally, on Dec. 8, Cherelle learned the news from U.S. President Joe Biden that Brittney would be released in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
In a new interview with People, the wife of Brittney Griner opens up about the experience of watching from afar as the basketball star was jailed in Russia, and her release earlier this month.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“It was almost as if somebody just punched you in the stomach and you inhaled,” Cherelle says of Brittney’s arrest and sentencing for smuggling illegal drugs. “You never get to breathe out.”
She says of the 10 months her wife spent locked up, “I was hopeless a lot of days. You try and stay grounded, but I’m human. Still, I would never completely give up hope on my wife’s life.”
Finally, on Dec. 8, Cherelle learned the news from U.S. President Joe Biden that Brittney would be released in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
- 12/27/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Brittney Griner spoke out today for the first time since being freed from a Russian penal colony.
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” the WNBA star wrote, posting photos of herself getting off a plane and also hugging her wife Cherelle in what appears to be an airplane hanger.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
She was released last week in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. There were critics of the swap who...
“It feels so good to be home! The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help,” the WNBA star wrote, posting photos of herself getting off a plane and also hugging her wife Cherelle in what appears to be an airplane hanger.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
She was released last week in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. There were critics of the swap who...
- 12/16/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittney Griner is thankful to be free.
After being released from Russia last week since being detained in February, Griner posted a passionate Instagram post this Friday, thanking everyone who had a role in freeing her, including President Biden.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you,” vowed the WNBA player. “I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bg (@brittneyyevettegriner)
Griner also made sure to give gratitude to her friends and family who stood by her side during such tough and chaotic last few months.
“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me,...
After being released from Russia last week since being detained in February, Griner posted a passionate Instagram post this Friday, thanking everyone who had a role in freeing her, including President Biden.
Read More: Brittney Griner Released From Russian Custody In Prisoner Swap
“President Biden, you brought me home and I know you are committed to bringing Paul Whelan and all Americans home too. I will use my platform to do whatever I can to help you,” vowed the WNBA player. “I also encourage everyone that played a part in bringing me home to continue their efforts to bring all Americans home.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bg (@brittneyyevettegriner)
Griner also made sure to give gratitude to her friends and family who stood by her side during such tough and chaotic last few months.
“I am grateful to each person who advocated for me,...
- 12/16/2022
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Brittney Griner thanked the many people who helped get her home and declared she was going to be ready to play basketball when the WNBA returns next year in in her first official statement since her release from a Russian prison.
“It feels so good to be home!” Griner said. “The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.
“It feels so good to be home!” Griner said. “The last 10 months have been a battle at every turn. I dug deep to keep my faith and it was the love from so many of you that helped keep me going. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your help.
- 12/16/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner’s wife shared a message of gratitude in her first Instagram post since Brittney’s return from a Russian prison.
The WNBA star was released on Thursday in exchange for the release of Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout, and Brittney has reunited with her wife Cherelle after nearly 10 months apart.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
“Yesterday, my heart was made whole thanks to the collective efforts of Many!” Cherelle wrote. “I’m humbled by their hearts. To care for another – a stranger to some, a friend to some – is humanity in its purest form.”
She continued, “As Bg and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies and spirits, I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands, seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again!”
The post showed a grid of photos...
The WNBA star was released on Thursday in exchange for the release of Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout, and Brittney has reunited with her wife Cherelle after nearly 10 months apart.
In Memoriam 2022: 100 Great Celebrities Who Died This Year!
“Yesterday, my heart was made whole thanks to the collective efforts of Many!” Cherelle wrote. “I’m humbled by their hearts. To care for another – a stranger to some, a friend to some – is humanity in its purest form.”
She continued, “As Bg and I start our journey to heal our minds, bodies and spirits, I wanted to personally say thank you to some of the hands, seen and unseen, that helped make it possible for me to see my wife again!”
The post showed a grid of photos...
- 12/14/2022
- by Miranda Dipaolo
- Uinterview
The White House again drew on celebrity activists as it marked another legislative milestone: Cyndi Lauper performed and spoke briefly to reporters Tuesday as President Joe Biden signed into law a bill that will protect same-sex and interracial marriage rights at the federal level.
“I came here today because I just wanted to say thank you to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris and all the advocates on his team,” Lauper told reporters in a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room. “Because for once, our families — mine and a lot of my friends, people you know, sometimes your neighbors — we can rest easy tonight because our families are validated, because we are allowed to love who we love, which sounds odd to say, but Americans can now love who we love. Bless Joe Biden and all the people who worked on this for allowing people not to worry about their future.
“I came here today because I just wanted to say thank you to President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, Vice President Harris and all the advocates on his team,” Lauper told reporters in a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room. “Because for once, our families — mine and a lot of my friends, people you know, sometimes your neighbors — we can rest easy tonight because our families are validated, because we are allowed to love who we love, which sounds odd to say, but Americans can now love who we love. Bless Joe Biden and all the people who worked on this for allowing people not to worry about their future.
- 12/13/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittney Griner is home. The WNBA star touched down on U.S. soil early Friday morning at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, ending a nearly year-long fight for her freedom after she was arrested and convicted of drug smuggling in Russia.
In new photos, Griner is seen walking down the steps of a private jet shortly after it arrived.
“So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. Welcome home Bg!” Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens tweeted.
Griner, who has been held in Russia for 10 months on drug charges,...
In new photos, Griner is seen walking down the steps of a private jet shortly after it arrived.
“So happy to have Brittney back on U.S. soil. Welcome home Bg!” Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens tweeted.
Griner, who has been held in Russia for 10 months on drug charges,...
- 12/9/2022
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called for President Joe Biden to be impeached following WNBA star Brittany Griner’s release from Russia in exchange for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
“Another reason to impeach Biden,” the Georgia congresswoman tweeted. “The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail, and brought home a professional basketball player.”
Another reason to impeach Biden.
The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail,...
“Another reason to impeach Biden,” the Georgia congresswoman tweeted. “The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail, and brought home a professional basketball player.”
Another reason to impeach Biden.
The President of the United States traded Russian terrorist arms dealer, Viktor Bout, left a U.S. Marine in Russian jail,...
- 12/8/2022
- by Nikki McCann Ramirez
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who had been held in Russian prisons for 10 months on drug charges, was released from custody Thursday. Griner was released as part of a long-talked-about prisoner swap negotiated by the U.S. State Department for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
According to CBS News, the one-for-one exchange was approved by President Joe Biden within the past week. Details of the deal remain unclear, but CBS News reports that at least one concession was made by only agreeing to swap one American prisoner for one Russian.
According to CBS News, the one-for-one exchange was approved by President Joe Biden within the past week. Details of the deal remain unclear, but CBS News reports that at least one concession was made by only agreeing to swap one American prisoner for one Russian.
- 12/8/2022
- by Jodi Guglielmi
- Rollingstone.com
U.S. basketball champion Brittney Griner has been released by Russia in a prisoner swap and is now in U.S. custody.
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
Related Story Marriage Equality Bill Clears Congress In House Vote; Joe Biden Next Will Sign Protections For Same-Sex And Interracial Unions Related Story Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon-style French Late Show 'Le Late Avec Alain Chabat' Launches Amid Fanfare & Mixed Response Related Story Poland's Camerimage Festival Responds To Missile Strike On Ukrainian Border: "No Reason To Think That It Can Endanger Our Guests"
She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony.
Griner is reported to have been released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
CBS News broke the story...
The Olympic gold medalist was arrested at Moscow Airport on February 17, after she was found to be in possession of two vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is a banned substance in Russia.
Related Story Marriage Equality Bill Clears Congress In House Vote; Joe Biden Next Will Sign Protections For Same-Sex And Interracial Unions Related Story Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon-style French Late Show 'Le Late Avec Alain Chabat' Launches Amid Fanfare & Mixed Response Related Story Poland's Camerimage Festival Responds To Missile Strike On Ukrainian Border: "No Reason To Think That It Can Endanger Our Guests"
She had been sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony.
Griner is reported to have been released in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
CBS News broke the story...
- 12/8/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
A Russian appeals court upheld Brittney Griner‘s nine-year drug smuggling sentence.
President Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement, “the President has demonstrated that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home.”
The White House has made little headway, however, since Griner was arrested in February at a Moscow airport for her alleged possession of vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
In August, she was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison after being convicted of possession and smuggling of cannabis oil.
Sullivan called Griner’s latest court appeal “another sham judicial proceeding,” and said that “Brittney should be released immediately.”
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement Tuesday on Twitter supporting Griner.
“Brittney has repeatedly taken responsibility and made clear that she never intended to break Russian laws,” the statement said. “This appeal is...
President Biden’s National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement, “the President has demonstrated that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home.”
The White House has made little headway, however, since Griner was arrested in February at a Moscow airport for her alleged possession of vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
In August, she was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison after being convicted of possession and smuggling of cannabis oil.
Sullivan called Griner’s latest court appeal “another sham judicial proceeding,” and said that “Brittney should be released immediately.”
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement Tuesday on Twitter supporting Griner.
“Brittney has repeatedly taken responsibility and made clear that she never intended to break Russian laws,” the statement said. “This appeal is...
- 10/30/2022
- by Claire Franken
- Uinterview
Brittney Griner’s nine-year prison sentence on drug smuggling charges was upheld in Russian court Tuesday, Oct. 25, The Associated Press reports.
The ruling, though disheartening for Griner and her supporters, was largely expected, as Russian courts rarely overturn verdicts. Prior to the appeal, Griner’s lawyers said in a statement that she did not expect “any miracles to happen,” according to the New York Times.
Though the court upheld Griner’s sentence, it did decide to recalculate her time served. Though her original sentence was nine years, the court decided...
The ruling, though disheartening for Griner and her supporters, was largely expected, as Russian courts rarely overturn verdicts. Prior to the appeal, Griner’s lawyers said in a statement that she did not expect “any miracles to happen,” according to the New York Times.
Though the court upheld Griner’s sentence, it did decide to recalculate her time served. Though her original sentence was nine years, the court decided...
- 10/25/2022
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
Read More: LeBron James...
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
Read More: LeBron James...
- 10/25/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
The eight-time all-star center with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted Aug. 4 after police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.
Griner, 31, was not at the Moscow Regional Court hearing but appeared via video link from a penal colony outside Moscow where she is held.
At her trial, Griner admitted to having the canisters in her luggage but testified she packed them inadvertently in her haste to make her flight and had no criminal intent. Her defense team presented written statements saying she had been prescribed cannabis to treat chronic pain.
- 10/25/2022
- by the Associated Press
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, marked the start of the incarcerated WNBA star’s eighth month in Russian prison with a short but poignant note on Instagram.
On Monday, Oct. 17, Cherelle shared a short video, which contained a smattering of photos and videos, as well as a new statement from her. “I’ve felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her,” Cherelle said. “I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release. As my family and I continue on this journey,...
On Monday, Oct. 17, Cherelle shared a short video, which contained a smattering of photos and videos, as well as a new statement from her. “I’ve felt every minute of the grueling seven months without her,” Cherelle said. “I want to thank President Biden for the Administration’s efforts to secure her release. As my family and I continue on this journey,...
- 10/18/2022
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday that WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release is not imminent.
“In this tense situation, I think that he (Biden) is thinking first and foremost about the upcoming midterm elections,” said Yury Ushakov on state-run TV program Moscow.Kremlin.Putin. “He keeps emphasizing the need to bring (Griner) back home… However, it’s not the main issue that we are concerned about.”
Earlier: Brittney Griner is still languishing in a Russian prison, but President Joe Biden hasn’t forgotten her. He met today with her wife, Cherelle Griner, and let her know that he is working to gain the WNBA star’s freedom.
Separate meetings in the Oval Office were held with Cherelle Griner and Elizabeth Whelan, sister of detained former US Marine Paul Whelan.
“We’re going to continue to do everything that we can, working tirelessly every day, to make...
“In this tense situation, I think that he (Biden) is thinking first and foremost about the upcoming midterm elections,” said Yury Ushakov on state-run TV program Moscow.Kremlin.Putin. “He keeps emphasizing the need to bring (Griner) back home… However, it’s not the main issue that we are concerned about.”
Earlier: Brittney Griner is still languishing in a Russian prison, but President Joe Biden hasn’t forgotten her. He met today with her wife, Cherelle Griner, and let her know that he is working to gain the WNBA star’s freedom.
Separate meetings in the Oval Office were held with Cherelle Griner and Elizabeth Whelan, sister of detained former US Marine Paul Whelan.
“We’re going to continue to do everything that we can, working tirelessly every day, to make...
- 10/16/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Brittney Griner’s wife says the WNBA star is at her “absolute weakest moment in life right now” in Cherelle Griner’s first televised interview since Griner was sentenced to nine years for bringing vape cartridges into Russia.
“She’s very afraid about being left and forgotten in Russia, or just completely used to the point of her detriment,” Cherelle Griner told CBS Mornings’ Gayle King in an interview that aired Thursday.
“On its face, it just seems like my wife is a hostage. To know that our government and...
“She’s very afraid about being left and forgotten in Russia, or just completely used to the point of her detriment,” Cherelle Griner told CBS Mornings’ Gayle King in an interview that aired Thursday.
“On its face, it just seems like my wife is a hostage. To know that our government and...
- 10/6/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Presidential support. On Sept. 16, President Joe Biden met with Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, as the WNBA star remains detained in Russia. In a statement to E! News, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shared that the two met in the Oval Office, where President Biden reiterated his "continued commitment to working through all available avenues to bring Griner home safely." That same day, Biden also met separately with Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of Paul Whelan, another American who has been detained in Russia since 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence. "The President appreciated the opportunity to learn more about...
- 9/17/2022
- E! Online
Joe Biden met with the wife of Brittney Griner on Friday at the White House, marking the first time the president has had a face-to-face conversation with the WNBA star’s family since she was detained in Russia on drug charges in February.
Griner was found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia last month, with the judge sentencing the basketball player to nine years in prison and issued a fine of 1 million rubles, or about 16,300, for bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage when entering the country.
Griner was found guilty of smuggling illegal narcotics into Russia last month, with the judge sentencing the basketball player to nine years in prison and issued a fine of 1 million rubles, or about 16,300, for bringing vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage when entering the country.
- 9/17/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner finally took the stand in Russia Wednesday, July 27, explaining how she accidentally packed cannabis oil cartridges in her luggage and claiming she received inadequate translation from an interpreter following her arrest in February, according to The Associated Press.
Griner has already pleaded guilty to carrying cannabis oil into Russia, and if convicted she could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. She previously told the court that she did bring the vape cartridges into Russia, but continued to insist that she had no criminal intent and that...
Griner has already pleaded guilty to carrying cannabis oil into Russia, and if convicted she could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. She previously told the court that she did bring the vape cartridges into Russia, but continued to insist that she had no criminal intent and that...
- 7/27/2022
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Brittney Griner is sending love to her wife as her Russia trial continues. During a break in court proceedings on July 26, the WNBA player told ABC News she had a message for Cherelle Griner, who recently graduated from law school. "Good luck on the bar exam," she said. In another symbol of love, Brittney arrived to court on July 26 holding up two photographs in a clear, plastic sleeve. When asked who was in the photos, Brittney said, "My wife. My two best friends, my teammates." As for how she's holding up? Brittney said she has "no complaints. Just waiting patiently." Cherelle previously told ABC News that she has communicated with Brittney "sporadically" through...
- 7/26/2022
- E! Online
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are showing their unwavering support for WNBA star Brittney Griner. On July 6, Biden and Harris spoke to the athlete's wife Cherelle Griner over the phone and reassured her "that he is working to secure Brittney's release as soon as possible" after Brittney was arrested in Russia on suspicion of smuggling narcotics on Feb. 17, according to a readout obtained by NBC News. "The President offered his support to Cherelle and Brittney's family," the statement read. "He committed to ensuring they are provided with all possible assistance while his administration pursues every avenue to bring...
- 7/6/2022
- E! Online
Brittney Griner's wife Cherelle Griner is holding out hope for a reunion with the WNBA star. In a July 4 letter to President Joe Biden, the WNBA star said she was "terrified" she might remain imprisoned in Russia "forever." A heartbreaking statement for Cherelle especially, who called her wife the "strongest person" she knows. "She doesn't say words like that lightly," Cherelle said during a July 5 interview with CBS Mornings. "That means she truly is terrified that she may never see us again. And you know, I share those same sentiments." Brittney's letter to the president was an effort to help her...
- 7/5/2022
- E! Online
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