MOSCOW (AP) — When Brittney Griner pleaded guilty Thursday to drug possession in a Russian court, hopes rose that her months of detention could soon be over, either through a U.S.-Russia prisoner swap or a pardon from President Vladimir Putin. But Russian courts often move slowly, Russian resentment over the high-profile case could obstruct a deal and the fate of an American … [Read more...] about Explainer: Why did Brittney Griner plead guilty?
Mercury
Phoenix Mercury hold on to tight victory over Liberty
PHOENIX (AP) — Diana Taurasi and Sophie Cunningham each scored 23 points and the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 84-81 on Thursday night. Skylar Diggins-Smith hit four free throws in the final 22.6 seconds for Phoenix (10-14). Diggins-Smith finished with 13 points and nine assists, and Shey Peddy had 13 points and four steals. The Mercury never trailed. That's an … [Read more...] about Phoenix Mercury hold on to tight victory over Liberty
Megan Rapinoe supports Brittney Griner while receiving Medal of Freedom
United States soccer star Megan Rapinoe showed support for detained Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner while receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on Thursday. As President Joe Biden put the medal around Rapinoe’s neck, a design on the lapel of her white suit jacket was apparent. There was a rose with the letters “BG” next to it stitched in the same … [Read more...] about Megan Rapinoe supports Brittney Griner while receiving Medal of Freedom
Mercury’s Brittney Griner pleads guilty for drug possession, smuggling in Russia
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian news agencies say jailed American basketball star Brittney Griner has pleaded guilty to drug possession and smuggling charges during her trial in Moscow. The reports quoted Griner as pleading guilty to the charges at Thursday’s court hearing. They said that speaking through an interpreter, Griner said she had acted unintentionally because she was packing … [Read more...] about Mercury’s Brittney Griner pleads guilty for drug possession, smuggling in Russia
President Biden, VP Harris spoke to Brittney Griner’s wife
The White House said that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke Wednesday to the wife of the imprisoned Brittney Griner after reading a letter from the Phoenix Mercury star to the United States president. Cherelle Griner was told by the president that he is “working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and … [Read more...] about President Biden, VP Harris spoke to Brittney Griner’s wife