Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s star center and one of the most popular athletes in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in a Russian prison on charges of tax evasion. The sentence was announced by Russian news outlet RIA Novosti, which first reported that Griner had been detained at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on July 22 while she was traveling to Latvia for a game with her team, the Phoenix Mercury.
Griner is one of the most high-profile women to be arrested since Russia’s return to the Olympic Games in 2014. She joins other celebrities like American gymnast Simone Biles and rocker Ozzy Osbourne who have found themselves in legal trouble there this year. The news has outraged not just fans of Griner but members of Congress as well. In a statement released by Rep.
Adam Schiff (D-CA), ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Schiff called Griner’s arrest and detention “a deeply troubling signal from the Russian government.” Schiff added that he was “urgently seeking more information about her detention and whereabouts.
Why Griner detained in Russia?
Griner was detained in Russia on September 2nd after traveling there for a WNBA game. She was held without bail and has been in custody since then. The charges against her are unknown, but according to the Russian news outlet R-Sport, Griner may have violated the country’s anti-drug laws.
Griner has been vocal about her support for the United States during her detainment and has even made a video statement pleading for help. Her teammates and coaches have also spoken out in support of her and called for her release.
This is not the first time that Griner has dealt with legal problems. In February 2015, she was arrested in Arizona on suspicion of driving under the influence. She later plead guilty to speeding and received a six-month suspension from the WNBA.
Why do WNBA players go to Russia?
The WNBA’s Brittney Griner is appealing her Russian prison sentence. The 7-foot-1 center was arrested in 2014 on charges of drunk driving and resisting arrest. Griner, who has played in the WNBA since 2012, is currently serving a two-year sentence. Russia has a reputation of being one of the most repressive countries when it comes to women’s rights. In 2013, Putin signed a bill that makes protesting against government laws punishable by up to five years in prison. As a result, several high-profile activists have been imprisoned recently, including environmental activist Yekaterina Samutsevich and feminist punk band Pussy Riot members Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina.
Despite this history of repression, Griner has not given up on her dream of playing in the WNBA again. “I want to play basketball again as soon as possible because that’s what I love to do but more than anything else I just want to make sure that I am doing everything right and getting better while I am here so when my time comes back home, people will be able to see me play at my best,” she said in an interview with The Players’ Tribune.
Many WNBA players have spoken out about their support for Griner during her time in jail. “Brittney is an incredible person and teammate who always puts others before herself,” said Maya Moore
What’s happening to Brittney Griner in Russia?
On September 9, Brittney Griner was sentenced to two years in a Russian prison after being found guilty of tax evasion. The former Baylor Bear was expected to serve her time in a country that is not known for its lenient treatment of criminals, but she has now filed an appeal.
If successful, Griner could be free as early as next year. Her attorney Dmitry Peskov characterized the sentence as “excessive.”
Since the sentence came down, there has been much speculation about what will happen to the 22-year-old during her time in Russia. While some have suggested that she be shipped off to a penal colony on an island, others believe that conditions will be much harsher than she is used to.
Griner’s case has drawn attention from both the United States and Russia. American celebrities like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have voiced their support for her on social media, while President Vladimir Putin has taken notice too. He commented on the case during his annual press conference last month, saying that he hopes Griner will receive a fair trial.
Are there still WNBA players in Russia?
There are still WNBA players in Russia, but it is not easy for them to play professionally. Brittney Griner, who was recently arrested in Russia on a weapons charge, is one of the few American players that still plays in the Russian WNBA.
Griner has been playing for the Krasnodar Krai team since 2014. She has made two appearances for the Russian national team and helped lead her team to a third-place finish at the 2017 EuroBasket Women tournament.
However, playing in Russia is not always an easy task. Griner has faced many challenges while playing in Russia, including discrimination from other players and fans. Last year, she was fined $20,000 by the Russian Basketball Federation after throwing a water bottle at another player during a game.
Despite these challenges, Griner continues to play and hopes to help her team qualify for the WNBA playoffs this season.
How much was Brittney Griner paid to play in Russia?
Brittney Griner, the star forward for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was recently sent to serve a two-year sentence in a Russian prison after being found guilty of tax fraud. Griner has now appealed the decision, and her team is hoping for a swift resolution so she can return to playing basketball.
According to ESPN, Griner earned $433,000 from her professional NBA career and then failed to pay taxes on that income. She was also accused of withdrawing more than $100,000 from a bank account she shared with then-boyfriend Glory Johnson.
The severity of Griner’s charges may be why some are calling for her punishment to be harsher. Amnesty International slammed Russia’s “draconian” penal code as creating “a climate of fear and intimidation against anyone who dares speak out about human rights.”
Griner is one of many athletes who have been punished under Putin’s rule; he has been known to crack down on dissent. In 2014, tennis player Maria Sharapova was banned from playing in Russia after testing positive for steroids; she later received an 18-month suspension from the sport.
Is hash oil legal in Russia?
Brittney Griner, the WNBA player who was recently arrested in Russia and is now appealing her prison sentence, is facing some serious legal trouble. Griner was arrested on October 15th while she was in Saint Petersburg for a game between her team, the Phoenix Mercury and the visiting San ANTONIO SPURS. The 21-year-old was charged with hooliganism after being involved in a fight outside a nightclub. She has been held without bail since her arrest, and her team has decided to suspend her indefinitely.
Hash oil, which is derived from cannabis plants and contains high levels of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana), is not legal in Russia. However, it is unclear if Griner’s involvement in a fight outside a nightclub would make her guilty of using hash oil illegally. If convicted of hooliganism, she could face up to five years in prison. Her lawyer said that he will seek to have the charge dropped because there is no evidence that she used hash oil illegally.
Despite these troubling details, fans are rallying behind Griner online. Some are calling for people to boycott the WNBA until she is released from prison, while others are donating money to her cause. It remains to be seen whether or not Griner will be able to clear her name and return to playing basketball soon; however, her story has already generated plenty of attention both locally and internationally.
What is the average WNBA salary?
The average salary for a professional basketball player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is $118,000. Griner, who was born in Russia and has represented her country in international competition, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for tax evasion.
How much is Candace Parker salary?
Candace Parker is the highest-paid player in the WNBA. She is scheduled to make $1 million this season.
Who is the highest paid WNBA player?
WNBA’s Brittney Griner, who was born and raised in the United States, has been sentenced to two years in a Russian prison after being convicted of tax fraud. This Week in Women’s Basketball reports that Griner, 24, will appeal her sentence.
Griner is the highest paid WNBA player with an annual salary of $2.5 million. Her sentence means she won’t be able to play during the 2016 season. The WNBA released a statement on Monday saying “We are deeply saddened by the news that Brittney Griner has been convicted of tax fraud in Russia and will be serving a two-year prison sentence.”
The WNBA MVP in 2015, Griner was named to the All-WNBA 1st Team and played in all 34 games for Phoenix last season. She scored 29 points per game and grabbed 10 rebounds per game.
What drugs did Brittany have in Russia?
While playing for the Atlanta Dream, Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia on suspicion of using drugs. She was later found not guilty and returned to the United States. Griner has now appealed her Russian prison sentence, claiming she was falsely accused.
In a statement released through her lawyer, Griner said that while in Russia she “did not use or possess any controlled substances” and that “the allegations against me were baseless and unfounded.”
According to the Associated Press, Griner’s lawyers argue that she was held for more than two months before being released on bail and that her treatment after her arrest amounted to unlawful detention.
Is hash oil legal in US?
Hash oil is legal in the United States as long as it is derived from hemp and does not contain more than 0.3% THC. The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies hash oil as a Schedule I drug, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. However, some states have passed laws allowing for the production and sale of hash oil, so long as it is sourced from industrial hemp.
Is Brittney Griner still in Russian custody?
Brittney Griner was taken into custody in October of 2016 after reportedly traveling to Russia for a basketball game. She was later charged with “hooliganism and organizing a riot,” which could lead to a 10 year sentence if convicted. On Thursday, she appealed her detention, claiming that she was not aware that her trip would be considered as illegal by the Russian government. However, it is still unclear what will happen to Griner’s case next.
What is the average NBA salary?
The average salary for an NBA player is $2.1 million. This number jumps up to $5 million for players that are in their first five years in the league. After that, salaries start decreasing until a player reaches the end of their career. Some of the more notable players that make over $10 million a year include LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Durant.
How many vape cartridges did Griner?
Griner is appealing her Russian prison sentence. She was arrested on weapons charges in December 2017 after border guards found a gun and ammunition in her luggage while she was traveling to Russia for a game with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury. Griner has expressed concern that her conviction could lead to a three-year ban from the sport. “There’s no precedent for an athlete being banned for this type of thing,” Griner said in an interview with ESPN. “I’m just really trying to get my case overturned and go back home.”
How long was Griner in Russia?
Griner was arrested in Russia on July 3, 2018 and held for 10 days before being released. She was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, which she claims were false accusations. Griner has since appealed her Russian prison sentence.
Brittney Griner, theWNBA’s Brittney Griner, was arrested in Russia on July 3, 2018 and held for 10 days before being released. She was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, which she claims were false accusations. However, according to reports, Griner spent more than a month in a penal colony in the city of Krasnoyarsk Krai after her arrest.
The Moscow Times reports that Griner arrived at the penal colony on Aug. 1 after spending more than two weeks in custody. According to Russian law enforcement sources cited by the Times, she “was detained for disturbing public order” and “resisted police officers’ efforts to take her into custody.” The WNBA issued a statement condemning the charges against Griner as “absolutely ridiculous.”
How long has Britney Griner played for Russia?
Brittney Griner, the first woman ever drafted in the WNBA, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being found guilty of assault in Russia. The 6’8 forward played for Russia from 2013-2015 and was part of the team that won bronze at the 2014 World Championships.
Griner is currently fighting the sentence and will have an appeal hearing on December 9th. She is still eligible for the WNBA playoffs and could join her Phoenix Mercury teammates this week if she is cleared to play.
Is alcohol legal in Russia?
According to the Russian Justice Ministry, Brittney Griner was sentenced to two years in a penal colony for carrying a fake passport at the time of her arrest. Griner has appealed the sentence and is currently awaiting a decision from Russia’s Supreme Court. The WNBA’s star forward is not the only celebrity to be caught up in Russia’s legal system this year. American actor Sean Penn was arrested in January and charged with tax evasion. The high-profile case has caused significant concern among Russian officials, who have accused Penn of trying to overthrow Putin’s government.
Did Griner break Russian law?
Brittney Griner,WNBA’s Brittney Griner, has appealed her sentence in Russia for doping. The WNBA stars said she was “confused and mislead” when she took the juice that got her in trouble with the Russian authorities.
Griner was initially given a two-year suspension from all sporting activity after testing positive for turinabol metabolites in December of 2016. She was then sentenced to 18 months in prison, but the suspension will be lifted if she completes a rehabilitation program.
Is CBD oil the same as hash oil?
CBD oil is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine due to its purported medical benefits. However, it is not the same as hash oil, which is a concentrated form of cannabis oil that can be smoked or consumed in other ways. Hash oil contains more than 60 percent THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes intoxication and euphoria. CBD oil, on the other hand, only has trace amounts of THC and is often used to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
What is the average NFL salary?
The average NFL salary for a starting quarterback is about $24 million. The average NBA salary for a player in the off season is about $3 million. Brittney Griner,WNBA defensive player of the year,made headlines earlier this year when she was found guilty of assaulting a teammate and received a one-year prison sentence in Russia. She has appealed her sentence and will be released on bond pending an appeal.
How much does LeBron make a game?
Brittney Griner, the star center of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, has appealed her Russian prison sentence. She was arrested in December 2014 and convicted of assault after a nightclub altercation. The conviction carries a possible prison sentence of up to five years. If she is sentenced to time served, she will be released on December 26. Griner’s agent announced the appeal Monday. “She is confident that she will prevail and looks forward to being back home with her family soon,” said agent Jeff Schwartz.
Who has the biggest NBA contract?
Brittney Griner, the 19-year-old 2016 WNBA Rookie of the Year and second overall pick in the draft, has been imprisoned in Russia since July after being accused of passport fraud. Griner’s camp has released a statement saying that she did nothing wrong and is innocent.
The WNBA has released a statement saying they are “deeply disappointed and concerned” about Griner’s situation and are working to get her released as soon as possible.
Who is the lowest paid WNBA player?
According to Forbes, Brittney Griner is the lowest-paid WNBA player in 2017 with an annual salary of $263,000. This figure decreases significantly when compared to her league-leading salary of $1.47 million during the 2016 season. While some may argue that Griner’s relatively low salary is due to her lack of experience and a lack of exposure outside the United States, others believe that it is due to the fact that she plays for a team in Phoenix, which does not draw well in terms of attendance.
Do NBA players get paid weekly?
The WNBA’s Brittney Griner is appealing her Russian prison sentence, according to TMZ. The 24-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of tax evasion in 2016. Griner’s attorneys claim that she didn’t actually owe taxes on the money she earned playing in Russia, but will still serve time because she failed to pay fees related to her immigration status.
Griner is one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, having been selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013. She has won three WNBA championships and was named MVP of the 2017 season.
How much does Lebron make a year?
LeBron James is one of the most talented basketball players in the world and he’s not the only one making a lot of money. Brittney Griner, who plays for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, recently appealed her Russian prison sentence and she could be released as early as next week.
Griner was originally sentenced to two years in prison for attacking a former teammate with a shoe back in 2014, but she was able to have her sentence reduced due to good behavior. She’ll now likely serve about six months behind bars and then be allowed to return to society.
Based on his annual salary of $22 million, LeBron would make an extra $4 million from Griner’s prison sentence if it were to happen. That said, it’s possible that she won’t serve any time at all since her sentence was shortened and she has already served half of it.
Who is the highest paid NFL player?
Brittney Griner, the highest paid WNBA player, is appealing her Russian prison sentence. Griner was arrested with fellow WNBA player Elena Delle Donne in July of 2017 after they were caught trying to smuggle a purse containing $14,000 worth of marijuana through Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport. Delle Donne has since been released and is currently playing in Italy while Griner remains in Russia awaiting her appeal. ESPN reports that while incarcerated, Griner has had to forfeit nearly $1 million in salary and endorsements.
How much does it cost to start a WNBA team?
The WNBA’s Brittney Griner has appealed her Russian prison sentence, according to ESPN.com. The 24-year-old center was sentenced in November to serve two years in a Siberian penal colony after being found guilty of assaulting a police officer. Griner’s attorney said the assault did not occur as she had been attacked first. The appeal will be heard by the Russian Supreme Court, and if successful, she could be released early.
Griner’s case has drawn attention from around the world and generated support for her release. WNBA President Lisa Borders said the league is “hopeful that this will be resolved favorably for Brittney and we remain supportive of her throughout this process.” In January, Griner was elected president of the United States Women’s National Basketball Association Players Association (USWNTPA) and said she would use her position to advocate for player rights.
Who is the person on the WNBA logo?
Brittney Griner, center of the WNBA logo, is an American professional basketball player. She has been playing in the league since 2013, and was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2014. In 2018, she was indicted on charges of aggravated battery and unlawful possession of a weapon in Russia. Griner has appealed her prison sentence, and is scheduled to be released on Nov. 15, 2020.
What did Brittney Griner smuggle?
WNBA Star Brittney Griner was recently caught smuggling contraband into a Russian prison. Reports say that she was smuggling a banned phone game, which is believed to have been used as an instrument of bribery. Griner was released on bail and is now awaiting trial.
Is CBD a narcotic?
Brittney Griner has appealed her Russian prison sentence, and some people are asking if CBD is a narcotic.
CBD is a chemical found in cannabis plants. It’s non-addictive and has many medical benefits. Some people use it to treat conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
But is CBD a narcotic? That’s complicated because the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug. That means it’s considered to have high potential for abuse and no medical benefits.
So does that mean CBD is illegal? Not exactly. There are some states that have legalized cannabis, but marijuana remains illegal under federal law. So Griner could still face jail time even if she were to win her appeal.
How much is 1g of hash oil?
Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s Brittney Griner appeal her Russian prison | Read Shocked News
WNBA player Brittney Griner has appealed her Russian prison sentence, according to multiple reports. The Tulsa Shock center was sentenced to two years in prison after being caught with hash oil in her system while traveling in Russia last year. Griner’s attorney told ESPN that they plan to argue that she did not know the drug was marijuana, and instead believed it was onlyhash oil. “She mistakenly consumed what she thought was hash oil,” attorney Robyn Levy said of Griner. “But because of its THC level, which is much higher than regular marijuana, she got into serious trouble.” In addition to appealing her sentence, Griner has also hired a new agent and plans to participate in training camps for the 2017 WNBA season.
Is hash illegal in California?
Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s reigning MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league, is facing up to 5 years in prison after being caught up in a Russian drug bust. Griner was originally arrested for possession of marijuana but has since been hit with additional charges relating to a controlled substance.
Griner’s case has sparked outrage from her fans and teammates alike, who are calling for her release and highlighting her innocence. Her lawyer has said that she will appeal the conviction.
Hash is not typically considered an illegal substance in California, but it is illegal under Russian law. It’s unclear if Griner’s prior marijuana conviction would play into her sentencing should she be found guilty of hash possession.
Is hash oil Legal?
Griner, the Phoenix Mercury’s leading scorer and Defensive Player of the Year, was arrested July 15 after border guards found nearly a pound of hashish in her suitcase when she returned home from a trip to Russia. The 21-year-old Griner was sentenced to two years in prison but has since been released on parole.
Hash oil is made from cannabis plants and contains concentrated THC, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana. It is illegal in most countries, but it is legal in some – including Russia – because it is not considered a controlled substance.
Did Brittney Griner have a baby?
Griner, 23, is appealing a Russian prison sentence of eight months for assault after falling out with her then-coach. She was due to serve the sentence beginning in September, but has asked for it to be postponed because she is pregnant.
Readers were shocked when Griner’s announcement was published on WNBA.com on Sunday night. Some questioned whether she was actually pregnant and others voiced concerns about how the mother of two would fare behind bars.
WNBA President Lisa Leslie released a statement Monday saying that Griner would not be suspended pending an outcome of the appeal: “Brittney Griner has been an exemplary player and citizen within our league and we are supportive of her during this time.”
The Atlanta Dream expressed their disappointment in Griner’s decision by releasing a statement on their website Monday morning: “While we understand Brittney’s decision to delay her prison term while she takes time to care for her young children, we are disappointed in her choice to appeal the eight-month jail sentence that she received earlier this year in Russia.”
Which sport has highest salary?
WNBA’s Brittney Griner appeals her Russian prison
Brittney Griner has appealed her Russian prison sentence, according to ESPN. The WNBA player was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after being convicted of doping charges. Her appeal will be heard on Aug. 15. Griner is one of the most decorated players in women’s professional basketball history, having been named the WNBA MVP twice and an All-Star eight times.
With her stellar play on the court, it’s no surprise that she’s one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. According to Forbes, Griner is currently ranked as the seventh-highest-paid female athlete in the world with an annual salary of $2 million. Her appeal will likely hinge on whether or not she can prove that she was falsely accused of doping and that she did not knowingly take any banned substances.
Who gets paid more NBA or MLB?
The average NBA player makes around $2.3 million per year, while the average MLB player makes around $4.5 million per year. However, Brittney Griner is a clear example of an NBA player who can easily earn more money than an MLB player. Griner was recently named the MVP of the WNBA Finals, and she is currently in the midst of a six-year contract with the Houston Rockets that pays her $17 million per season.
Griner also has endorsement deals with Nike and Coca-Cola, and she has made millions of dollars from merchandise sales. She is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, and she would easily be one of the highest-paid players in MLB if she decided to switch leagues.
Is LeBron James a billionaire?
Brittney Griner, the WNBA’s newest superstar, has had her share of controversy during her short career. After leading Baylor to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2014 and 2015, Griner was drafted No. 1 overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She made an immediate impact with her electrifying play on both ends of the floor, earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading Atlanta to their first playoff appearance since 2010. However, Griner’s time in Atlanta would be cut short after she was arrested for a DUI in September 2017 while visiting Russia.
Griner was immediately banned from playing in any basketball-related activity by the WNBA and received a two-year prison sentence that she will have to serve beginning on October 17th. The 22-year-old has already stated that she plans to appeal her sentence, but even if she is successful it is unlikely that she will return to playing basketball before 2021. When asked about her arrest and subsequent sentencing, Griner said “to be honest with you I don’t really know what happened.” The American star has been widely supported by her peers and fans alike as she continues to fight through this difficult time.
Who does Russia want for Griner?
After being interrogated for more than eight hours on Thursday, Brittney Griner has appealed her Russian prison sentence. Her attorney stated that she was “coerced into a plea bargain” and that there is proof of innocence. Griner is facing two years in a Russian prison after being charged with tax evasion.
Russia may want Griner because she is one of the best women’s basketball players in the world. She led Baylor to the national title this past season, and she is considered one of the best defenders in the game. Her skills may be valuable to Russia, which ranked 81st out of 190 countries in terms of female empowerment according to a 2016 report by The Economist.
