The basketball player Britt Greiner is guilty

Britt Greiner was found guilty by a Russian court of drug possession and smuggling. The American WNBA star has pleaded guilty to bringing cannabis-infused vapor cartridges into Russia.

She claimed it was an innocent mistake, but the court said in its ruling that Greiner committed the offense “intentionally.” It is noted that the prosecutor recommended 9.5 years in prison!

Shortly before the verdict was announced, Greiner said “I made an honest mistake and I hope your decision doesn’t end my life here,” before breaking down in tears.

“My parents taught me two important things: one, to take responsibility and two, to work hard for everything I get. That’s why I pleaded guilty to my charges. I understand everything that has been said against me, the charges that are against me, and that is why I pleaded guilty. But I had no intention of breaking any Russian law. I want the court to understand that this was an honest mistake I made while in a hurry, under pressure, trying to recover from Covid-19 and just trying to get back to my team,” he added.

“I know everyone keeps talking about political pawns and politics, but I hope that’s far away from this courtroom. I want to say again that I had no intention of breaking any Russian law. I did not intend, conspire or plan to commit this crime. I never meant to hurt anyone. I never intended to endanger the Russian population. I never intended to break any laws here. I want to apologize to my teammates, my club UMMC, the fans and the city (Ekaterinburg) for my mistake and the embarrassment I caused them. This is my second home and all I want to do is win championships and make them proud. I also want to apologize to my parents, siblings, my USA team Phoenix Mercury, the amazing women of the WNBA and my amazing wife back home.”

Greiner, 31, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on February 17 after vapor cartridges containing hashish oil were found in her luggage. Cannabis is illegal in Russia for both medicinal and recreational purposes. He has been in Russian custody since then.

The United States reiterates that Greiner is being wrongfully detained and has made, according to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, a “substantial offer” to Moscow to exchange Russian prisoners for American citizens held in Russia, including Greiner and former Marine Paul Whelan.

According to Reuters, a source familiar with the situation said Washington was willing to trade convicted arms dealer Victor Booth, whose life helped inspire the 2005 Hollywood film Lord of War, starring Nicolas Cage .

In her deposition last week, Greiner expressed confusion over how the vapor cartridges had ended up in her luggage as she was flying back to Russia to join UMMC Yekaterinburg for the playoffs after spending some time at home in the United States. “I still don’t understand to this day how they ended up in my bag,” she told the court on July 27.

Greiner said she was prescribed medical cannabis in the United States to treat chronic off-season injuries, a treatment not uncommon among elite athletes in countries where the substance is legal. However, it is illegal in Russia.

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