Brittney Griner: WNBA membership Phoenix Mercury involved for participant detained in Russia

Brittney Griner in action for the US national team

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Brittney Griner is a seven-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medallist

WNBA side Phoenix Mercury say they are concerned for Brittney Griner’s “safety, physical and mental health” after the centre was detained in Russia on charges of drug smuggling.

The Olympic gold medal-winning American was reportedly taken into custody at a Moscow airport in February after cannabis oil was found in her luggage.

She could face a sentence of up to 10 years in a Russian prison if convicted.

Phoenix say they are “aware of and are closely monitoring the situation”.

A statement from the WNBA club was posted on Twitter after the Russia Federal Customs Service said that an American basketball player was taken into custody after officials found vape cartridges that contained hashish oil in carry-on luggage at Sheremetyevo Airport.

Russian news agency TASS, citing a law enforcement source, has since identified the player as 31-year-old Griner, who has played in the country during the WNBA offseason…

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