WNBA star Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court.
Back in February, the Olympic gold medalist was arrested on drug charges after she was accused of carrying hashish oil in her luggage.
Over the last few months, Griner’s lawyers and representatives have worked tirelessly on getting the acclaimed basketball player back to the United States.
After numerous roadblocks, a Russian court finally scheduled the start of Griner’s long-awaited trial for 1 July.
However on 7 July, during her second hearing, the US basketball star pleaded guilty to the drug charges, as reported by Reuters.
“I’d like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” the Phoenix Mercury player told the court. “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.”
After the hearing concluded, Griner’s lawyer’s revealed their hope that a guilty plea would earn a lenient sentence.
“We as her defence explained to her the possible consequences. Brittney stressed that she committed the crime out of carelessness, getting ready to board a plane to Russia in a hurry, not intending to break Russian law,” Maria Blagovolina explained to reporters, per Reuters.
“We certainly hope this circumstance, in combination with the defence evidence, will be taken into account when passing the sentence and it will be mild.”
Griner’s lawyers also added that at the time of her arrest, she was tested and was clean of drugs – which they hope will also be taken into account.
Currently, the 31-year-old is facing up to 10 years in prison for the aforementioned charges.
Griner’s recent legal news comes a few days after President Joe Biden received a letter from the beloved player on 4 July.
In the note, Griner implored Biden to do everything in his power to bring her back to the US.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” she wrote.
“Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you.
“I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now.
“I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
On 6 July, the basketball star’s wife, Cherelle Griner, revealed that she received a hopeful phone call from Biden shortly after.
“While I will remain concerned and outspoken until [Brittney Griner] is back home, I am hopeful in knowing that the President read my wife’s letter and took the time to respond,” she told CNN.
Griner’s next court hearing is set to take place on 14 July.
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