What happened to the female basketball player in Russia?

After nearly ten months in Russian captivity, and a year away from the court, American WNBA star Brittney Griner has signed a contract for a professional comeback. Griner was freed late last year in a prisoner swap in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

What happened to Brittany Griner?

Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges, and Griner was later convicted on drug smuggling charges and received a nine-year sentence. The U.S. State Department was swift in deeming Griner “wrongfully detained” and has worked to get her free since.

Will Brittany Griner play basketball again?

PHOENIX – The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury have re-signed center Brittney Griner, the team announced today. Mercury General Manager Jim Pitman: “It's a great day for all of us to announce that Brittney Griner has officially signed to play for the Mercury in 2023.

What is the current status of the WNBA player in Russia?

Russia has freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in a prisoner exchange. American officials confirmed to ESPN's T.J. Quinn on Thursday that the U.S. is releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. President Joe Biden tweeted Thursday morning: "I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe.

Why was Marc Fogel in Russia?

Marc Hilliard Fogel (born 1959) is an American schoolteacher who was arrested in August 2021 by Russian authorities for trying to enter Russia with 0.6 ounces (17 g) of medical marijuana. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

WNBA star Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison

Is Marc Fogel married?

According to his sister, Fogel and his wife, Jane, had always enjoyed living abroad, and they spent the three decades before Fogel's arrest traveling around the world, teaching in international schools and raising their two sons, Sam and Ethan.

What teacher was released from Russia the same day as Brittney Griner?

Sarah Krivanek was released from Russian captivity on Dec. 8, the same day as WNBA star Brittney Griner. An American woman held in Russia for over a year is speaking about her ordeal after her release on Dec. 8, the same day as WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Will the WNBA ever play in Russia again?

WNBA players will not return to Russia until Brittney Griner is released, per report. Many WNBA players choose to play overseas during the offseason in order to make more money.

What was Brittney Griner salary?

Details: ESPN reports Griner, who was a free agent, signed a one-year, $165,100 contract with the Mercury on Saturday. This will be her 10th season with the Mercury, who drafted her No.

Is Brittney Griner a player?

Brittney Yevette Griner (/ˈɡraɪnər/; born October 18, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's national basketball team and a six-time WNBA All-Star.

Why did Brittney Griner cut her hair?

According to ESPN's T.J. Quinn, it was Griner's decision to cut her hair. One of Griner's lawyers, Maria Blagovolina, told Quinn that Griner's hair would freeze when wet as the Russian winter got colder, so she decided to cut it to make life in prison easier.

Is hash oil illegal?

Is hash oil legal in the US or Russia? In the US, hash and hash oil — like marijuana — are Schedule 1 drugs. It's still illegal to use and possess hash under federal law, and its legality varies state by state.

Why did Brittney Griner get caught?

On Feb. 17, 2022, Russian authorities arrested the basketball star — who flew to Russia from New York — on drug charges. Officials said Griner had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage and opened a criminal investigation.

Did Brittney Griner have a baby?

Brittney Griner has two children—twins Ava and Solei—with Glory, according to People.

Who is Brittney Griner's new wife?

Brittney Griner, Wife Cherelle Griner's Relationship Timeline.

Did Brittney Griner have babies?

Some of us might already know she is married to another woman named Cherelle Griner. However, does Brittney have children with Cherelle? This might seem like an absurd question considering that both of them are female. In any case, it turns out that Griner does have children But not with Cherelle.

Why does Brittney Griner need to fly private?

Griner will need to fly privately due to security concerns, according to reports, which could create problems across the league. Would the recognizable, 6-foot-9 center fly by herself, away from the Phoenix Mercury? Would the Mercury charter as a team, giving Phoenix a clear competitive advantage?

Why was Brittney in Russia?

star and two-time Olympic gold medalist who had been detained in Russia since February on drug charges, was released from custody on Dec. 8 in a prisoner swap with the United States. She had been found guilty in August of trying to smuggle illegal narcotics into Russia and was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony.

Who is the US teacher in Russian custody?

Marc Fogel is an American teacher who is being detained in Russia under similar circumstances to Ms. Griner. Mr. Fogel suffers from severe medical conditions and his family fears he will not survive his 14-year sentence in a hard labor camp.

Why is Whelan in Russia?

Conviction and sentencing. On June 15, 2020, Whelan was convicted and sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison for espionage by a court in Moscow. His lawyers said they believed Russia would now seek a prisoner swap.

How old is Brittney Griner in Russia?

The WNBA star — who was arrested at a Moscow airport on Feb. 17 — turns 32 years old on Tuesday. Griner was sentenced to nine years in prison on Aug.

Who was traded for Brittney Griner?

On December 8, 2022, Russia and the United States conducted a prisoner exchange, trading Brittney Griner, an American basketball player, for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer.