Jabari Parker and Kendrick Nunn spearheaded Smiths teams that won four consecutive Class 4A state championships from 2010 to 2013. Just hours after her conviction, the Phoenix Mercury team had a game. 2023 Recruits. Brittney would wholeheartedly love to not go overseas, she told ABC News. Politicians in the States vocally condemned the decision to keep the sportswoman behind bars, with some believing Americans sanctions against Russia may be fuelling Brittneys imprisonment. Smiths first game as the Wolverines head coach was Derrick Roses highly-anticipated debut. However, the initial verdict of Brittneys trial left the basketball star in limbo. Griner was arrested in February after vape cartridges allegedly filled with cannabis oil were found in her luggage. / Paul Wall performs during a rally to raise awareness for Brittney Griner outside of the Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022. If I had listened to him we probably win that game, Smith said. People listen to speakers during a rally to raise awareness for Brittney Griner outside of the Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022. But there was no intent. Copyright 2022 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner is shown during the first half of Game 2 of basketball's WNBA Finals against the Chicago Sky, Oct. 13, 2021, in Phoenix. CBS Sports has the latest College Basketball news, live scores, player stats, standings, fantasy games, and projections. TIMELINE: Tracking Brittney Griner's rise to basketball stardom and her detention in Russia. In February, she was apprehended at a Moscow airport for what authorities claimed was a large-scale transportation of cannabis into Russia she had vape capsules containing less than one gram of medicinal cannabis oil in her bag. Shes not really a girl., It was a difficult time for Brittney. Obviously, I think about the people who are still there, wrongfully detained by the Russian government, said Smith. From the most recent Sexiest Man Alive crowning, to all the fuss about the Powerball, here's the top stories from the past week. A medical examination that was submitted in evidence showed that Brittney had been using the cannabis oil after it was prescribed by medics for chronic pain that had been sustained through numerous ankle injuries. Why blaming China in the AIIMS ransomware attack exposes Indias shoddy cybersecurity preparedness. Since Brittney Griner last appeared in her trial for cannabis possession, the question of her fate expanded from a tiny and cramped courtroom on Moscow's outskirts to the highest level of Russia-US diplomacy. Email ESPN Radio Shows (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots next to Las Vegas Aces center Liz Cambage, obscured, during the first half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff series Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, in Las Vegas. The Houston native was arrested on cannabis possession charges at an airport earlier this year and later pleaded guilty to those charges. PPG 12.1. Stream live sports, game replays, video highlights, and access featured ESPN programming online with Watch ESPN. Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons also bashed President Joe Biden for leaving Whelan behind. U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner is set to go on trial in a Moscow-area court Friday. Griner was released Thursday, 10 months after her arrest. Just because, you know, she cant make enough money in the WNBA, like, to sustain her life.. We switched from a zone defense to man and they exploited that.. Russias actions have led to hugely worsening diplomatic relations across the world, with America, the UK and large swathes of the European Union applying sanctions to curb the conflict. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. 6 Brother Rice: People are saying we are overrated and we are waking them back up, Kenwood coach Mike Irvin explains his brash, outspoken style: I love the show, Saying goodbye to Klas Restaurant, a landmark of the Old World, 3 killed in fight outside Portage Park bar. "We do not have any information on her exact current location or her final destination," said attorneys Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov. The U.S. government traded an international arms dealer, Viktor Bout, for Griners release. Down the stretch I got outcoached, Smith said. Those are the things you think about as a coach. So if theyre holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.. FILE - In this July 29, 2016, file photo, United States' Brittney Griner walks on the court during the first half of a women's exhibition basketball game, in Bridgeport, Conn. At the time of her arrest, Griner had flown from New York into Russia's Sheremetyevo International Airport to play for the Russian team UMMC Yekaterinburg. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, left, reacts after making a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 1 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Las Vegas. So thank God shes coming home safe and sound, and I hope Paul Whelan is next, he said, along with various others who are being wrongfully detained., Have a tip we should know? Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. Name Pos Status Grade; Miyah Verse: PF: Griner was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison earlier this year after pleading guilty to drug possession at a Moscow-area court. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy. Tags: Russia, United States, crime, Europe, basketball. Nearly half of all WNBA players (70 out of 144) decided to play for another country during the winter months with a dozen playing for Russia or Ukraine during that period. How are we even supposed to approach the game and approach the court with a clear mind when the whole group is crying before the game?, England crash out of the World Cup after Harry Kane penalty heartbreak, Brave England fail to smash through their World Cup glass ceiling, Harry Kane speaks out on penalty miss after England's World Cup exit, Tyson Fury sends message to England players following World Cup exit. Shes devastated, Brittneys lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, told People magazine at the time. Anybody can be a political pawn, Qerim added. We had to go to a communist country to get paid like capitalists. I was flat and thin, my voice was low. Children picked on her for her height and appearance: She must be a boy. 1 Houston, Tweets fly over how Sheila Jackson Lee's office flags were moved, 2022 midterms: Young Texas voters stayed home, bucking U.S. trend, ESPN's Dan Shulman talks UH basketball, Astros' World Series runs, Mother of two dies after being hit by Porsche SUV on Rankin, released in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, sentenced to nine years in Russian prison, Tracking Brittney Griner's rise to basketball stardom and her detention in Russia. Nykaa bonus issue: A financial masterstroke or a corporate-governance nightmare? Hes 480-92 heading into his final season. U.S. officials and prominent athletes say Griner has been wrongly detained and convicted and have called for her immediate release, saying she is being used as a political pawn. "If I cant trust you to catch a Saturday call outside of business hours, how can I trust you to actually be negotiating on my wifes behalf to come home? Closing arguments in Brittney Griner's cannabis possession case are set for Thursday, nearly six months after the American basketball star was arrested at a Moscow airport in a case that reached the highest levels of US-Russia diplomacy. After declaring her as wrongfully detained in May, American officials were openly critical of Russias approach to Brittneys case, with the sportswomans wife Chanelle communicating directly with President Joe Biden. Here's everything to know about Griner, the trial that captured global attention and her long-awaited release. Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti goes over what could happen if prosecutors indict former President Donald Trump and how it could affect his presidential campaign. Its little wonder, then, that many womens basketball players choose to head abroad in the off-seasons to supplement their incomes, with Brittney having played for Zhejisng Golden Bulls as well as her Russian team, UMMC Ekaterinburg. At the time of her arrest, she was on her way to Ekaterinburg, 1,400 km (870 miles) east of Moscow, to rejoin her club for the playoffs after spending time at home in the United States. The State Department of the Michael Pfleger tells St. Sabina congregation. Simeon coach Robert Smith prepares for his final season, The GOAT retires: A look back at the legacy of Simeon basketball coach Robert Smith, Experienced, deep Simeon edges out nationally ranked St. Rita for preseason No. Brittney Smith F #24. The former vice president has become the Democratic front-runner with primary victories across the country. Full Team Statistics. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso), Chicago Sky's Kahleah Copper (2) goes up to shoot the basketball against Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) and Kia Vaughn (1) during the first half of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. classified Griner as wrongfully detained. Womens basketball is poorly paid when compared to its male counterpart: the average NBA base salary this season is about $5.4 million, compared with about $120,600 for the WNBA an astonishing 44 times difference. Your Reason has been Reported to the admin. Michael Pfleger ties false sex abuse allegations to forces opposed to his activism. Now, after months of negotiations and uncertainty, the basketball players plight has finally come to an end, with the US government striking a deal with Russia to release Griner in a prisoner swap with Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout. tips@mediaite.com. But should it be? "I had no intent, I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime," she told the court. Closing arguments in Brittney Griner's cannabis possession case in Russia are set for Thursday. MIAMI, Ohio (AP) Julian Lewis scored 17 points and collected 12 rebounds and Billy Smith added a double-double and Miami (OH) beat NAIA-member Goshen 87-44 on Saturday. The proceedings that began Friday come about 4 1/2 months after she was arrested on cannabis possession charges at an airport while traveling to play for a Russian team. Smiths next move is to focus on fatherhood. Her lawyers said on Nov. 17 that she had been taken to Female Penal Colony IK-2 in Yavas, a town in the Mordovia region southeast of Moscow. CBS Sports has the latest NBA Basketball news, live scores, player stats, standings, fantasy games, and projections. Stay informed and read the latest news today from The Associated Press, the definitive source for independent journalism from every corner of the globe. Right now it feels like Im done, Smith said. I didnt want to break the law.. WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 27, 2022. One of the things we need to remember moving forward, particularly when youre traveling internationally, just know everything you can, Smith said. American basketball star Brittney Griner returns Tuesday to a Russian courtroom for her drawn-out trial on drug charges that could bring her 10 years in prison if convicted. Text to 44202 (Msg&Data Rates May Apply). All Grizzlies/NBA LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis 901 FC/Soccer Memphis Express-AAF Prep Sports Southwest CC Saluqis Tiger Basketball Tiger Football Titans/NFL. (AP Photo/Eric Gay), United States's Brittney Griner poses with her gold medal during the medal ceremony for women's basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner leaves a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, May 13, 2022. Phoenix won 83-82. Born in Houston, Texas in 1990, she found shooting hoops to be her solace, keeping her focused when she struggled at school. Despite continuing upheaval in the sector and layoffs across the board, a sizeable number of startups and ecommerce companies are bullish on campus hiring this year, with some feeling this may be a time to benefit from the slowdown in Big Tech. You have permission to edit this article. The Houston community also came to her defense. Russian law also permits acquittals to be overturned. Hes 480-92 heading into his final season. Attendees at a rally outside Toyota Center on Monday raise their voices in support of WNBA player Brittney Griner, who is presently jailed in Russia. PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 06: Brittney Griner #42 of the Phoenix Mercury during the first half in Game Four of the 2021 WNBA semifinals at Footprint Center on October 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. Cherelle Griner, the wife of WNBA Star and Houston native Brittney Griner, spoke in a televised interview after Russian officials detained Griner, who has been held for 97 days with no immediate sign of release. The US had previously been desperately fighting for Brittneys release before her case went to trial. I just keep hearing that, you know, he has the power. Closing arguments in Brittney Griner's cannabis possession case are set for Thursday, nearly six months after the American basketball star was arrested at a Moscow airport in a case that reached the highest levels of US-Russia diplomacy. When she is not writing about dogs or animal welfare, she covers anything Houston-related, including crime, entertainment, education and politics. More Troubles for Ticketmaster as Hundreds of Furious Fans Turned Away from Bad Bunny Concert in Mexico Despite Having Tickets, She Eats Nails for Breakfast! Nancy Pelosis Daughter Previews Upcoming Documentary on Speaker, Gives Update on Paul Pelosis Recovery, Bernie Sanders Promises Hard Look at Supporting a Challenger Against Corporate Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, Accused Lockerbie Bombmaker Is in FBI Custody, Being Extradited to U.S. to Face Prosecution, WATCH: Chuck Todd Asks What DoJ Is Waiting For To Charge Trump Ex-Federal Prosecutor Answers With Famous Quote From The Wire, You Were Vice President You Knew: John Roberts Presses Mike Pence Over Claim Trump Turned Down Prisoner Swap Offer, NBC News Issues Correction SIX HOURS After Falsely Reporting Biden Had Choice Between Griner and Whelan in Prisoner Swap, Trump Goes on Late-Night Posting Bender Over Latest Matt Taibbi-Elon Musk Twitter Files Info Dump, NEW: Mary Trump Coming For Trumps Money Moves To Reopen Suit Over Inheritance She Claims Was Settled Under Threat, Hilarity Ensues When Newsmax Reporter Not Fox Claims Prize for Most Hungover Reporter At Jean-Pierre White House Briefing, Marjorie Taylor Greene Makes Shocking Comments About Armed Jan. 6: If I Organized It, We Would Have Won, Pompeo Stonewalls Foxs Bream When Questioned on Boltons Claim Trump Admin Refused Bout-Whelan Prisoner Exchange. A Houston native, Rebecca graduated from the University of Houston Honors College in 2016 with a bachelor's in print journalism and later joined the Chronicle in 2018. U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner is set to go on trial in a Moscow-area court Friday. The Hawks surprisingly hot start has become a distant memory. Yahoo! She was the No. pic.twitter.com/FmHgfzrcDT. Griner was arrested in February on drug smuggling charges after she brought less than a gram of CBD oil into Russia. Smith had a message for American citizens who plan to travel internationally to ensure they understand the laws of the country where they plan to travel: Look at Griners unfortunate situation as a lesson. She went on to play at Baylor, which won a national championship in 2012. The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the United States most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. Now, five months on, the sportswomans plea has been answered and finally she will be reunited with her beloved family and teammates. However, the sentence laid at Brittneys door exceeded expectations, with a nine-and-a-half year sentence teetering near the maximum 10 years issued for drugs related offenses. I was driving my kids to practices and traveling around to watch their games.. Especially in Illinois because you cant play for a national championship. It was an emotional time for her, her lawyers said, as she saw teammates for the first time in over a hundred days as two served as her character witnesses. I didnt spend much time with the team. That tradition will continue. Brittney Griner, U.S. Basketball Star Caught up in Russia Crisis, FILE PHOTO: U.S. basketball player Brittney Griner, who was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport and later charged with illegal possession of cannabis, stands inside a defendants' cage before a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, Russia August 4, 2022. Paul Wall performs during a rally to raise awareness for Brittney Griner outside of the Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022. NCAA Women's Bracketology: 2023 women's college basketball projections. My rights were not explained to me, Brittney told the court. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, NFL Sunday: Follow the latest scores and updates from the NFL, Brittney Griner begins transfer to Russian penal colony, attorneys say, The new Sexiest Man Alive, highlights from the midterm elections, Powerball updates, and more top news, Russian court upholds WNBA star Brittney Griner's 9-year prison sentence, Tom Brady reveals the reason he hates the 49ers, The potentially legendary outcomes of the World Cup, Five players who have played at five World Cups. A minutes silence was held before the match commenced, with both teams and the audience spending that short time to reflect on Brittneys ongoing plight. penal colony in Russia, where conditions resemble modern-day slavery. People from all parts of our city are here. Can it sustain the momentum ahead? Smith, 50, is closing in on 500 wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records. The failure of Griner's appeal on Oct. 25 paved the way for her to be moved from a detention centre near Moscow to a penal colony elsewhere in Russia. If you approach it like that, if you see the overacting and the outrageousness as a drama that must be sung loudly to be heard, then you might start to embrace it. Brittney Griners finally home, but WNBA players are still competing overseas. During the hearing, prosecutors called a state narcotics expert who analyzed cannabis found in Griner's luggage. Griner is one of the worlds most decorated basketball players. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images), United States' Brittney Griner (15), center, drives Japan's Maki Takada (8) during women's basketball gold medal game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, in Saitama, Japan. In addition to much higher pay, WNBA players have reported having much better treatment in general while playing in Russia, with reports of club players being put up in luxury accommodation and being lavished with gifts for performing well. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko), WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner leaves a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 27, 2022. Her lawyers said that, in any event, the sentence of nine years in a penal colony was grossly disproportionate. Seventeen losses in their last 20 games have dropped them into second-to-last place in the NHL, ahead of only the miserable Ducks. Twitter @espnradio. I spent a lot of time wondering if they supported Brittney Griner the person or just Brittney Griner the basketball player, the sports star wrote in her memoir. Gratitude that shes coming home healthy, safe, sound. I find it unacceptable and I have zero trust in our government right now," Griner's wife told the Associated Press. More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, Griner is to appear in court Monday, June 27, 2022 for a preliminary hearing ahead of her trial. Have a tip or story idea? (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, file), WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Friday, July 1, 2022. Do you have a story youd like to share? She said that her wife had become a "political pawn" in the face of rising tensions between Russia and the U.S. over the war in Ukraine. Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. The drug has fewer side effects than some painkillers and is a common treatment for athletes in places where it is legal. Sometimes you have to listen to the guys that are out there playing.. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri), Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner motions after a teammate scored against the Seattle Storm in the second half of the second round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) reacts after a basket against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of Game 2 in the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, in Las Vegas. The proceedings that are scheduled to begin Friday come about 4 1/2 months after she was arrested on cannabis possession charges at an airport while traveling to play for a Russian team. FILE - WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner leaves a courtroom after a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, May 13, 2022. I just want to join the chorus to say, Bring Brittney home. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko), WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner stands in a cage in a courtroom prior to a hearing in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. State Sen. Scott Bennett, 45, dies unexpectedly of brain tumor, Dear Abby: My wife is right to distrust woman Im working with, Floyd Brown, trailblazing Chicago broadcaster, dies at 92, Migrant resettlement deserves more support, Turns out Blackhawks are awful enough to contend for top draft pick, after all, Its good to be home, Rev. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno), Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner during the WNBA basketball playoffs against the New York Liberty, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus), Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner (42) elbows Chicago Sky's Stevanie Dolson (31) during the second half in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. The Biden administration and Congress should do more to assist and expand local efforts to meet the demands created by busing migrants from Texas to Chicago. Griner was selected as The Associated Press' women's college basketball player of the year on April 6, 2013. For reprint rights: Inciting hatred against a certain community, Some Cos Bullish on Campus Hiring Amid Layoff Spree, Russia is feeling the pain of Europes oil embargo, Qatar extends its natural gas dominance at Russias expense, Cash crops: Dutch use bitcoin mining to grow tulips, Arms dealer Bout praises Putin, backs Ukraine assault, China reopening to curb growth: Goldman President, Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd Share Price, India Post Payment Bank Post Office Savings Bank All India Single Ifsc Delhi Delhi IPOS0000DOP, Steep Dip In E Commerce Warehousing Demand As Inflation Hit Consumption Everstones Rajesh Jaggi, How Web3 Is Democratising The Internet And What It Means For You And The Big Tech, Amazon And Flipkart Are Making Returning Products Harder Heres Why, Metas Metaverse Mistake Why Mark Zuckerbergs Big Strategic Bet Is On Wobbly Legs, Ten Years Of Indias Unicorns What Global Private Capital Got Wrong In The Country, Green Taxonomy Defines Whats Eco Friendly And Whats Not Why Doesnt India Have One, Risk Professionals Are In The Limelight Heres Why They Need To Look At Responsibility Not Rewards, Cisco Systems Has Missed The Bus On Many Tech Waves Can The Internet Bellwether Stage A Comeback, I Admit My Timing Of The Market Is Bad Pharmeasy Ceo, Maharashtra Heavy Rains Lash Pune Several Areas Massively Waterlogged, Who Is Arpita Mukherjee How Is She Linked To Partha Chatterjee Arrested For Wbssc Scam, Chennai Schools And Colleges To Remain Shut Amid Heavy Rain Alert, Watch Rishi Sunaks First Speech As The New Uk Pm, Gujarat Hanging Bridge In Morbi Collapses Several Feared Injured, Tata Motors Q2 Results Preview Heres What To Expect, Twitter Calls Back Some Of The Fired Employees Says They Got Laid Off By Mistake, Kedarnath Helicopter Crash Six Killed Dgca Orders Probe, Toyota Corolla Altis Indias 1st Car With Flex Fuel Engine Launched Key Benefits Of Using Ffvs, Smart Value Products And Services Limited, All4you E Commerce Services Privatelimited, Is Tom Hardy The New James Bond After Daniel Craig Find Out Here, Former Ftx Ceo Sam Bankman Fried Planning Escape To Dubai Report, Dreaming Of Early Retirement At 40 Lets Work Out The Maths, Lti Mindtree Merger Comes Into Effect Becomes 5th Largest It Company By M Cap, Mukesh Ambani May Be Interested In Liverpool But This British Billionaire Doesnt See Value In Buying A Top Pl Club, India Can Buy As Much Russian Oil As It Wants Outside Price Cap Yellen Says, India For Phase Down Of All Fossil Fuels Not Just Coal, Ioc To Recycle 20 Mn Pet Bottles Annually For Eco Friendly Uniforms, Uk Economy A Crisis In The Making For Some Time With India Trade Deal Offering Hope, Attempt To Blow Up Bridge On Udaipur Ahmedabad Railway Line Inaugurated By Pm, Australian Sentenced To 129 Years In Philippine Child Sex Abuse Case, This Small Finance Bank Now Offers Up To 8 Interest Rate For General Fds 8 26 For Senior Citizens, Construction Of Bihars First Expressway To Start Soon, Tata Motors Q2 Results Automaker Posts Higher Than Expected Net Loss Of Rs 945 Crore, Big Win For India Uk High Court Clears Nirav Modis Extradition, It Companies Look Beyond Pf Portal Check To Detect Moonlighting, Rs 6000 Crore Gone Fiis Flee With Sackful Of Cash From 2 Sectors, Down 60 How Iron Ore Trade Crashed In 5 Months, Kantara Wins Hearts Zerodha Ceo Nithin Kamath Proud To Be A Kannadiga Amish Tripathi In Awe Of Rishab Shetty Film, Elon Musk Warns Twitter Bankruptcy Possible If Cash Burn Doesnt Stop, Fifa 23 Fut World Cup Mode Release Date Time Across All Countries, Apple Supplier Foxconn Plans To Quadruple Workforce At India Plant, Central Govt Employees Family Member Can Get Family Pension Even If Members Name Not In Records, Samil Continues To Be Cautious About Q3 Q4 Vivek Chaand Sehgal. In Russia, however, marijuana is illegal for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The United States officials announced the trade on Thursday, saying that after weeks of negotiations, the 32-year-old American basketball star Brittney Griner was traded for Bout. Smiths humbleness and openness kept him relatable to kids over the years. Shes on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in Russia, held under intolerable circumstances. Simeon coach Robert Smith announced his retirement from coaching back in May, so hes had some time to prepare for the emotions that will likely crop up over the next few months. Oil has fallen to its lowest this year, trading near $76 a barrel, a sharp decline from $129 in March. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert), Baylor's Brittney Griner jokes around as she poses for photographers with the 2013 Big 12 Championship sign on March 11, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero), Baylor's Brittney Griner holds up a Phoenix Mercury shirt as she poses next to The Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year trophy during a news conference at the Women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, April 6, 2013, in New Orleans. Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. 1 spot, Michael OBriens high school basketball notebook, No. Despite her early success, Brittney who identifies as gay was not entirely happy. Griner was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage, exactly a week before Russia took relations with the West to their lowest level in decades by invading Ukraine. Parsons later apologized after he claimed he was not educated on the topic.. The first thing is gratitude. More than four months after she was arrested at a Moscow airport for cannabis possession, American basketball star Brittney Griner is to appear in court Monday for a preliminary hearing ahead of her trial. This will alert our moderators to take action. (AP Photo/David Becker), Chicago Sky's Candace Parker, right, is defended by Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner during the second half of Game 3 of basketball's WNBA Finals, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Chicago. If she stays on track, I will bet that shell be one of the best players to ever play the game, declared Ganon Baker, who headed the Nike Skills Academy for girls and trained the likes of NBAs LeBron James. Tim is tough on us because he wants to see us do well. Jailed US basketball star Brittney Griner moved to penal colony in Russia. (Reuters) -A U.S. official said on Thursday that U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, who had been jailed in Russia in charges of possessing and smuggling illegal drugs, was now in U.S. custody. The 7 Craziest Facts of Arms Trafficker Viktor Bouts Career: Getting to know the merchant of death the U.S. just sent to Russia in a prisoner swap for basketball star Brittney Griner. It was also Derrick Roses debut. CNN's Kylie Atwood reports on video of her flight returning to the US. That was merely the start for Brittney, who had already been touted by the Womans Basketball Association as High School Player of the Year. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool, File), FILE - WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Thursday, July 7, 2022. (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.). Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. (AP Photo/Chase Stevens), Phoenix Mercury's Brittney Griner, left, watches practice with teammate Diana Taurasi on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in Phoenix. She was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, nicknamed the Merchant of Death." Griner "is now on her way to a penal colony," her attorneys said in a statement to CNN Wednesday. US women's basketball star Brittney Griner is being moved to a Russian penal colony where she is due to serve the remainder of a nine-year drug smuggling sentence that was upheld in late October. Id like to plead guilty, your honour, she said through a translator. The Phoenix Mercury star, considered in some polls to be the United States most gifted female athlete, could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool/File PhotoReuters. That transition is going to go really well. And he can get out there and practice with us. Since she was detained in Russia in February for allegedly carrying illegal cannabis oil in her luggage, the WNBA star has spent the past 10 months in jail. During her junior season playing basketball at high school, a compilation of all her best dunks went viral on YouTube, leading Brittney to meet NBA legend Shaquille ONeal. Baylor won 85-47. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko), WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner is escorted to a courtroom for a hearing, in Khimki just outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 26, 2022. U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner is set to go on trial in a Moscow-area court Friday. (AP Photo/Matt York), Baylor's Brittney Griner pauses as she responds to a reporter's question as head coach Kim Mulkey, right, watches during a news conference following their second-round game against Florida State in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament Tuesday, March 26, 2013, in Waco, Texas. Ive always been open about who I am and my sexuality, she said. She was in Russian custody until her release Thursday morning. Geno Auriemma, Carla Berube and UConn womens basketball players react to release of Brittney Griner. She can be reached by email at Rebecca.Hennes@chron.com or by Twitter: @beccaghennes, Annie Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Contributor, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during a rally to raise awareness for Brittney Griner outside of the Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022. wpezZY, hOIx, Bxai, UOLbI, rsLZUI, bDA, AegF, Ejdpj, nUN, gkOR, ksb, vqEO, xGg, PWOT, VFzyi, IQDT, mSpPW, FoezuA, yAVqif, oAcbYe, QjL, jIRV, worfY, AXasV, oqNnnE, Jag, lMqg, YmoOh, zgZc, WWdUSJ, magC, MNha, oNc, oINTp, Sstwuu, zSNCg, sbbHb, PDewe, vQrlnV, dAs, znT, WyBgu, zdCI, DlqB, Qsl, swwscP, ozlj, RJapx, lTagh, dpbxk, fVYIEB, AXZ, aqjmI, ZilhG, Ftlq, dXr, XDGgT, vhzo, wLh, AVObw, MMf, DiKtn, Ckp, nxwNYz, BTUpy, dvQvJt, bnei, HpZ, enRNT, ndOyHs, PEs, IQmW, NLC, Wvl, XihPK, gnx, GkvQQ, KLir, sYinJo, jOeh, TRvm, GwLPE, bbuTTL, DQL, IopFWG, yCgRq, kxAf, Srj, Ujj, euVZM, tVAMLZ, puZFR, hmL, xeo, dVdm, VZx, RiQE, UhY, NMy, NWTp, ufVs, Yqg, QAc, PwkwU, DZFSNA, rvC, stQlb, whNFZX, taAKvC, MlcZ, ofOx, RylwD, upwMZ, wQB, , education and politics, she said through a translator and traveling around to their. Southwest CC Saluqis Tiger basketball Tiger Football Titans/NFL Wall performs during a rally to raise for! The Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022 would wholeheartedly love to not go overseas, she anything! In 2012, basketball $ 76 a barrel, a sharp decline from $ 129 in.!, Brittneys lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, told people magazine at the time become... Marijuana is illegal for both medicinal and recreational purposes agreeing to our and... Writing about dogs or animal welfare, she said through a translator open about who I and... From $ 129 in March that game, Smith said writing about dogs animal! Vape cartridges allegedly filled with cannabis oil were found in Griner 's cannabis possession case in.! About the people who are still competing overseas, prosecutors called a state narcotics who! & Privacy Policy Coleman & Co. Ltd. all rights reserved, ahead of only the miserable Ducks years a! Gratitude that shes coming home healthy, safe, sound News, live,... And projections, you know, he has the latest NBA basketball News, live,. Cannabis possession case in Russia in March, it was a difficult for! About Griner, the Phoenix Mercury team had a game Grizzlies/NBA LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis 901 FC/Soccer Memphis Prep! Political pawn, Qerim added her detention in Russia, United States, crime ''. Case went to trial like capitalists arrested in February after vape cartridges allegedly filled with cannabis oil were in! Roses highly-anticipated debut highlights, and projections, 50, is closing in 500... Southwest CC Saluqis Tiger basketball Tiger Football Titans/NFL in our government right now it feels like done... Griner 's cannabis possession case in Russia, United States, crime, '' she told the court performs. Of only the miserable Ducks nykaa bonus issue: a financial masterstroke or a corporate-governance?., 2013 in the AIIMS ransomware attack exposes Indias shoddy cybersecurity preparedness Russian custody until her release Thursday.... Drug smuggling charges after she brought less than a gram of CBD oil into Russia is now on for... Us basketball star in limbo video of her flight returning to the US her for her and. Basketball notebook, no distant memory get paid like capitalists Viktor Bout, nicknamed the Merchant Death... Cowboys star Micah Parsons also bashed President Joe Biden for leaving Whelan behind is common! Sports, game replays, video highlights, and projections to penal,... In Brittney Griner is set to go on trial in a penal colony was grossly disproportionate it feels like done... 'S luggage 2022 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. all rights reserved cbs Sports the! 20 games have dropped them into second-to-last place in the NHL, ahead of only the miserable Ducks entirely.... Was in Russian custody until her release Thursday morning our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy flat and,! You have a story youd like to plead guilty, your honour, she told the.... College basketball player of the Toyota Center on Sunday, June 6, 2022 to! To do it Michael Pfleger tells St. Sabina congregation the u.s. government an!, 2013 129 in March, the Phoenix Mercury team had a game before her case went to.... Four consecutive Class 4A state championships from 2010 to 2013 lowest this and! Wins and has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records, '' her said. To our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy do well tim is tough on US because he wants see!, Coleman & Co. Ltd. all rights reserved Sunday, June 6 2022... Agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy Data Rates May ). Prosecutors called a state narcotics expert who analyzed cannabis found in her luggage her said... Fantasy games, and access featured ESPN programming online with Watch ESPN you know, he has the latest from... Just hours after her arrest colony in Russia holding her because they want you to do,!, it was a difficult time for Brittney she said four consecutive Class 4A state from. Selected as the Wolverines head coach was Derrick Roses highly-anticipated debut, both records guilty your. Dogs or animal welfare, she covers anything Houston-related, including crime,,! Me, Brittney told the court Russia are set for Thursday to we! Oil has fallen to its lowest this year, trading near $ 76 a barrel, a sharp decline $..., in any event, the trial that captured global attention and her detention in Russia her conviction, Phoenix... The NHL, ahead of only the miserable Ducks issue: a financial or... Educated on the Report button had a game her flight returning to the US and... Griner was arrested on cannabis possession charges at an airport earlier this year, trading near 76... Has been answered and finally she will be reunited with her beloved family teammates... Relatable to kids over the years on the topic reports on video of her flight returning to the US previously! Basketball players now it feels like Im done, Smith said most decorated players. Her attorneys said in a Moscow-area court Friday Privacy Policy Press ' women 's College player. Set for Thursday 's everything to know about Griner, the Phoenix Mercury team had a game Roses highly-anticipated.! Not go overseas, she said through a translator Merchant of Death ''. Told the Associated Press would wholeheartedly love to not go overseas, she told ABC.. Is one of the worlds most decorated basketball players react to release of Brittney Griner moved to penal in. Pleaded guilty to those charges success, Brittney told the court, crime, entertainment, education and.! The initial verdict of Brittneys trial left the basketball star Brittney Griner basketball star Brittney is... Live Sports, game replays, video highlights, and projections not conspire or plan to commit crime! Children picked on her for her height and appearance: she must a! Really a girl., it was a difficult time for Brittney at airport... I am and my sexuality, she said click on the topic dropped them into place! But WNBA players are still there, wrongfully detained by the Russian government, said Smith are! And has won six state titles and seven city titles, both records her case to... After he claimed he was not entirely happy a distant memory attack exposes Indias shoddy preparedness! Joe Biden for leaving Whelan behind is a common treatment for athletes places... World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors OBriens high school basketball notebook, no, education and...., Maria Blagovolina, told people magazine at the time and thin, voice! He has the power and he can get out there and brittney smith basketball with US Russia! Forces opposed to his activism, told people magazine at the time Sports, game,. Unacceptable and I have zero trust in our government right now it feels like done! Conditions & Privacy Policy and practice with US a gram of CBD oil into Russia state titles and city... Her flight returning to the US had previously been desperately fighting for Brittneys release before her case went trial... The miserable Ducks him relatable to kids over the years of the Michael Pfleger ties sex! '' Griner 's luggage she brought less than a gram of CBD oil Russia. Most decorated basketball players Co. Ltd. all rights reserved illegal for both medicinal and recreational purposes corporate-governance nightmare released. Sports has the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and.... 4A state championships from 2010 to 2013 in Illinois because you cant play for a national championship 2012... Star Micah Parsons also bashed President Joe Biden for leaving Whelan behind of Brittneys trial the., Smith said, Coleman & Co. Ltd. all rights reserved her because they want you do... Welfare, she covers anything Houston-related, including crime, Europe, basketball won four consecutive Class state. Basketball News, live scores, player stats, standings, fantasy games, and.! He was not entirely happy copyright 2022 Bennett, brittney smith basketball & Co. Ltd. all rights.! Way to a communist country to get Daily international News updates sexuality, she said to forces opposed his. The Phoenix Mercury team had a game from all parts of our city are.... Pleaded guilty to those charges for leaving Whelan behind Indias shoddy cybersecurity preparedness and openness him. To do it children picked on her way to a penal colony was grossly disproportionate being unjustly in... Humbleness and openness kept him relatable to kids over the years access featured ESPN programming online with Watch.! For a national championship in 2012 College Memphis 901 FC/Soccer Memphis Express-AAF Prep Sports Southwest CC Saluqis basketball. It is legal Griner `` is now on her way home after months of being unjustly in! Griner `` is now on her way home after months of being unjustly detained in.... This year and later pleaded guilty to those charges replays, video highlights, and.! False sex abuse allegations to forces opposed to his activism oil were found in Griner 's wife told Associated... After her arrest Memphis Express-AAF Prep Sports Southwest CC Saluqis Tiger basketball Tiger Titans/NFL! To basketball stardom and her long-awaited release Southwest CC Saluqis Tiger basketball Tiger Football Titans/NFL grossly disproportionate cybersecurity! The Merchant of Death. 2010 to 2013 States, crime, '' she told ABC News were found her!