As her trial progresses, Brittney Griney is back in court in Russia, but this time, she made sure to bring something very personal with her: a picture of her wife.
On Thursday morning, cameras caught the WNBA star entering a courtroom in Moscow for a new hearing regarding her drug case. It is very clear that she was holding a photo of Cherelle Griner in her hand.
The image appears to be a screenshot from one of Cherelle’s most recent television interviews; there was also a picture of Brittney holding a basketball next to it.
Griner admitted guilt to charges of drug possession and smuggling. She informed the judge, “I’d like to plead guilty, your honor, but there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law.”
Using a translator, Griner spoke to the court in English. She continued, “I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare.” Since she was pleading guilty, it’s unclear to what testimony she is alluding. The testimony might relate to punishment.
The following hearing will occur on July 14. Griner could spend up to 10 years behind bars. It’s interesting that the plea came right after President Biden announced that he would step up his efforts to secure her release.
The reasons behind Griner’s guilty plea
After Griner entered a guilty plea on Thursday, her representatives have expressed optimism that she will now receive “no severe sentence,” according to TMZ Sports.
“[The guilty plea] was her decision informed by discussion with her legal defense team in Russia,” Griner’s legal team said. “Brittney sets an example of being brave. She decided to take full responsibility for her actions as she knows that she is a role model for many people.”
“Considering the nature of her case, the insignificant amount of the substance and BG’s personality and history of positive contributions to global and Russian sport, the defense hopes that the plea will be considered by the court as a mitigating factor and there will be no severe sentence.”
There’s also the theory going around that there is a hidden reason she did this, like perhaps a swap deal between the American and Russian government for the Russian criminal Viktor Bout, also known as The Merchant of Death.
Griner’s attorneys added that they anticipate the trial to be over in August.
Marca
