Brittney Griner's 9-Year Prison Sentence Upheld by Russian Court

On Tuesday, a Russian court rejected WNBA star Brittney Griner's appeal of her 9-year prison sentence for narcotics possession and smuggling.

Key Quotes: Griner stated in court Tuesday that "I really hope the court will adjust this sentence because it has been very, very stressful and very traumatic to my mental and my psyche and being away from my family, not being able to communicate." A White House national security adviser said "We are aware of the news out of Russia that Brittney Griner will continue to be wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances after having to undergo another sham judicial proceeding today." One of Griner's lawyers said that "No judge, hand on heart, will honestly say that Griner's nine-year sentence is in line with Russian criminal law."

For Context: Griner was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on February 17 after Russian police said they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage. Her case has been inevitably viewed in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its impact on U.S.-Russia relations. Griner has said she used cannabis medically for pain relief. All cannabis use is prohibited in Russia. U.S. official reportedly continue to negotiate Griner's release.

How The Media Covered It: Sources across the political spectrum covered the rejection of Griner's appeal, with sources on the left noting that Griner had admitted to inadvertently packing the canisters with no criminal intent.