PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 8: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during Game 5 of the 2021 WNBA Semifinals on October 8, 2021 at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)
Moments ago, a Russian judge announced that WNBA star Brittney Griner had been found guilty on drug charges.
Griner’s trial officially ended this Thursday. Before the verdict was announced, he apologized for his actions.
“I never wanted to hurt anybody, I never wanted to endanger the Russian population, I never wanted to break any laws here,” Griner said. “I made an honest mistake and I hope your sentence doesn’t end my life here. I know everyone keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that’s far from this courtroom.”
Although Griner’s verdict has been announced, everyone is still waiting to hear what his sentence will be. The prosecution would have asked for 9.5 years.
The sports world is understandably frustrated by Griner’s verdict.
That said, this is not a surprise.
ESPN’s TJ Quinn reported Wednesday that Griner is “prepared for the worst” regarding her verdict and sentence.
Griner could face up to 10 years in prison.
Because U.S. officials have classified Griner as illegally detained, a possible prisoner swap with Russia is still on the table.