• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 9, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now
Law

Brittney Griner Files Appeal of Russian Prison Sentence

  • Griner was sentenced to nine years for cannabis possession on Aug. 4.
  • Similar cases receive an average of five years in prison with high possibility of parole, per her defense team.
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

As expected, Brittney Griner’s legal team has filed an appeal of her nine-year Russian prison sentence, per Russian news agencies.

Defense lawyer Maria Blagovina said Monday that the appeal has been filed, but not on what grounds. Under Russian law, Griner had 10 days to appeal the sentence.

In the immediate aftermath of her sentencing, Griner’s defense team called it excessive, pointing out that similar cases have received an average sentence of five years, with about a third of them receiving parole.

The eight-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist was convicted and sentenced for cannabis possession on Aug. 4.

Griner claims she inadvertently packed vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her haste to get to Russia in February, and that she had no criminal intent in bringing them. During her trial, she presented written statements that she had been prescribed cannabis to treat pain.

The U.S. government has classified Griner as “wrongfully detained” and is hoping to free her from Russia through a prisoner swap.

On Saturday, the Moscow Times reported that the Russian government is indeed seeking arms dealer Viktor Bout in the exchange, as previously reported.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Celtics-Knicks Game 3 Tickets Near Super Bowl Prices

Game 3 against the Celtics has resale ticket prices beginning around $700.

Reeling Cavs Have NBA’s Third-Most-Expensive Roster Next Season

Cleveland trails the Pacers, 2–0, in the conference semifinals.

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate 

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.

Featured Today

Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
May 6, 2025

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
Mar 22, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Joao Fonseca (BRZ) reacts after winning a point against Ugo Humbert (FRA)(not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 6, 2025

João Fonseca Is a Teen Tennis Phenom. His Parents Are Overseeing His..

The Brazilian is forgoing a management team in favor of his parents.
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Vince McMahon

Vince McMahon Could Have to Turn Over Hush Money Documents in Court

Suing shareholders want to know his “state of mind” during UFC merger.
Adam Silver
May 7, 2025

NFL Attempts to Aid NBA in Video Privacy Lawsuit

The NBA is being accused of unlawfully sharing user data with Facebook. 
May 8, 2025

Judge Bans ATP Tour From Retaliating Against Players in Major Lawsuit

Plaintiffs had sought to ban the ATP from discussing the case with players.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the 1st quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup championship game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks at T-Mobile Arena.
May 2, 2025

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hits Business Insider With $100M Defamation Suit

The suit seeks at least $100 million and a public retraction of the reporting.
UC Davis Baseball
May 2, 2025

NCAA Baseball Coaches Get Preliminary Approval in ‘Wage Fix’ Case

The baseball coaches are expected to be paid an average of roughly $33,000.
Apr 6, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; A general overall view of the opening tipoff between UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (left) and South Carolina Gamecocks forward Chloe Kitts at midcourt on the Final Four logo during the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena.
April 30, 2025

House v. NCAA Settlement Has a Little-Known Federal Lobbying Provision

It would effectively muzzle plaintiff lawyers in Congressional debates.
Asinga
April 29, 2025

Teen Sprinter’s Suit Against Gatorade Dismissed In Ruling Judge Admits Is ‘Unsatisfying’ 

Issam Asinga blames Gatorade gummies for a positive drug test.