• Loading stock data...
Thursday, December 12, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

WNBA Star Brittney Griner’s Russian Detention Extended

  • She will remain in custody in a Russia prison through at least July 2.
  • Griner was arrested Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges containing hashish oil.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA star Brittney Griner will remain in custody in Russia through at least July 2 after a Russian court extended her detention. 

Russian state news agency TASS reported Tuesday that the 31-year-old Griner, who has been officially classified as “wrongly detained” by the U.S. State Department, has had her detention extended another 18 days by the Khimki Court of the Moscow Region.

Griner was arrested Feb. 17 at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly having vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her bag. It is illegal to possess hashish oil in Russia. She has spent 117 days in a Russian prison.

Griner had been in Russia to play for the Russian Premier League team UMMC Ekaterinburg during the WNBA offseason. 

On Monday, the Phoenix Mercury announced that members of the organization had met with State Department officials regarding the Biden administration’s efforts to secure Griner’s release.

The WNBA is honoring Griner with a decal with her initials and No. 42 on all 12 of its courts.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dec 4, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to pass against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Kaseya Center.

Heat Open to Jimmy Butler Trades, but Here’s Why Deal Will Be..

The Heat are reportedly “open” to hearing trade offers for Butler.

WBD Secures Comcast Deal, Readies for Future Without NBA Rights

The TNT Sports parent company continues to remake itself in dramatic fashion.

Mountain West Adds UC Davis, Wants Northern Illinois

The Aggies’ football team will stay in the FCS.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Jul 24, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Juan Soto (22) flips his bat after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Yankee Stadium.

The Biggest Athlete Contracts Signed in 2024

Juan Soto and Jayson Tatum inked the biggest deals.
Aaron Rodgers
December 9, 2024

A Jets–Aaron Rodgers Divorce Could Get Expensive

The Jets could end up with $49 million or more in dead money.
Caitlin Clark
December 10, 2024

Caitlin Clark Is Next Up for Taylor Swift With the Eras Tour..

Swift told Clark she and Travis Kelce want to watch the Fever.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto Agrees to Groundbreaking $765 Million Mets Deal

Unlike Ohtani’s Dodgers deal, the Soto contract reportedly contains no deferred money.
Oct 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning for game two of the 2024 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.
December 8, 2024

Juan Soto’s $700M Question Looms Over MLB Winter Meetings

Soto, Hall of Fame picks, and the draft lottery highlight the gathering.
Luis Severino
December 5, 2024

Mere $67 Million for Pitcher Is Largest Deal in A’s History 

Severino had a strong season with the Mets after a tough 2023.
Jewell Loyd
December 5, 2024

Jewell Loyd Asks Out of Storm After Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing

Loyd reportedly filed the complaint of harassment and bullying by the coaches.