American basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges in a Russian court on Thursday, according to Axios.
Driving the news: “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor,” Griner said on the second day of her trial, per the report. “But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law.”
- “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare,” she added.
Details: The WNBA star faces up to 10 years in prison. The second hearing is scheduled for July 14.
- The two-time Olympic gold medallist was arrested on Feb. 17 at a Russian airport on claims of cannabis possession charges as she was returning to the country to play for a Russian team, as Sarah Gambles reported for the Deseret News.
Why it matters: This news comes shortly after both Griner and her wife asked the Biden administration to put more pressure on Moscow.
- “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,” the basketball player wrote in a letter addressed to the White House.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to Cherelle Griner, the player’s wife, on the phone.
- “While I will remain concerned and outspoken until she is back home, I am hopeful in knowing that the president read my wife’s letter and took the time to respond,” Cherelle Griner said in a statement, per The New York Times. “I know BG will be able to find comfort in knowing she has not been forgotten.”
State of play: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that a prisoner exchange with the United States will be difficult, according to Axios. He added that the publicity around Griner is not helping the situation.