Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to a drug-smuggling charge on Thursday after months of being held in Russian detention.
During her appearance in court, Griner maintained that her “intent” was not to violate Russian law. She could face up to 10 years in prison.
“I’d like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law,” Griner reportedly said during a court hearing. “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.”
Many like LeBron James and more have spoken up to bring awareness to Griner’s situation. Now, Chris Brown has given his take on the matter and has called on more support for Griner.
“It’s not my business. But…..it’s Fcked up what they doing to [Brittney Griner],” Brown wrote on his Instagram Story. “IF THIS WAS A MALE STAR ATHLETE YALL WOULD BE WAY MORE VOCAL AND HELPFUL. THAT SHT LAME AS F*CK. [praying hands emoji][red heart emoji]. I WISH I COULD REALLY HELP HER OUT.”
Following news of Griner’s plea Thursday, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov criticized the U.S. government over its portrayal of the WNBA star’s case and the “hype” surrounding her detainment.
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“We have a long-standing framework for discussing such issues. The attempts of the American side to stir hype in the public arena, to make noise regarding this topic are very clear, and they don’t help to the practical resolution of issues.”
The Russian Foreign Minister said Wednesday that Griner will have the opportunity to appeal or apply for clemency once a verdict is given, but the real likelihood of that, while not certain, is grim.
“The Russian judicial system might enjoy giving her slightly less and taking some credit for showing some leniency, but I don’t think we’re talking about her being released,” Schwartz said. “Judging Vladimir Putin has proven to be a very mistake-filled passion on the part of Western analysts who thought he wouldn’t invade [Ukraine], thought he wouldn’t do this, and he does these things. So he might surprise us again.”
