Brittney Griner Detained in Russia: What We Know So Far

WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February 17, 2023, after customs officials said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Here is what we know so far about the case:

• Griner was arrested at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow after customs officials said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

• She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

• The U.S. State Department has classified Griner as wrongfully detained and is working to secure her release.

• Griner has been in contact with her family and friends, and she is receiving consular assistance from the U.S. government.

• The WNBA and the NBA have both released statements in support of Griner and are working to get her home safely.

Griner's detainment has raised concerns about the safety of WNBA players who travel to Russia and other countries to play overseas during the league's offseason. The WNBA season runs from May to September, and many players travel to Russia and other countries to play during the offseason.

In a statement, the WNBA said it is "deeply concerned" about Griner's well-being and is "working with her legal team, her representatives, the U.S. State Department and other government agencies to get her home safely as soon as possible."

The WNBA and the NBA have also created a fund to help Griner's family and pay for her legal defense.

Griner's detainment is a reminder of the dangers that athletes face when they travel to countries with repressive regimes. In 2018, Canadian basketball player Andrew Wiggins was detained in China for 12 hours after customs officials found a small amount of marijuana in his luggage. Wiggins was eventually released without charge.

The WNBA and the NBA have taken steps to improve the safety of their players when they travel overseas. In 2015, the leagues implemented a travel advisory system that gives players information about the risks of traveling to certain countries. The leagues have also increased security for their players when they travel.

Despite these efforts, Griner's detainment is a reminder that there is still a risk of danger for WNBA players who travel overseas. The WNBA and the NBA must continue to work to improve the safety of their players and ensure that they can travel without fear of being detained or arrested