Joe Biden Calls Brittney Griner Verdict 'Unacceptable'; Athletes React to Russia's 9-Year Prison Sentence for WNBA Star

President Joe Biden slammed the conviction of WNBA star Brittney Griner in Russia on Thursday, months after she was arrested at Moscow Airport over cannabis oil in her luggage.

According to CNN, Judge Ann Sotnikova from Khimki City Court imposed a nine-year imprisonment sentence and fined Griner $16,400.

The same day, President Joe Biden contended that Griner received a sentence in Russia even though she was "wrongfully detained."

"It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates," the president underscored.

Biden assured that his administration "will continue to work tirelessly" and pursue ways to bring back Brittney Griner, as well as Paul Whelan from Russia. However, Biden did not mention what steps would be taken by the U.S. following Griner's sentencing in Russia.

Athletes React to Brittney Griner's Sentence in Russia

Several athletes have expressed their thoughts about Griner's sentence.

Memphis Grizzley stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr, as well as Orlando Magic point guard RJ Hampton, took to Twitter on Friday to call for the freedom of Brittney Griner.

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving also hopped in on Twitter and tagged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, asking for an update about the WNBA star in Russia.

Coach and former professional basketball player George Karl called Brittney Griner's sentence "horrible."

"Time for a trade with the devil," Karl added, referring to the trade with Viktor Bout, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the U.S. in 2012 on several charges.

WNBA star Brianna Turner also shared what she felt following Griner's sentence was announced, tagging President Joe Biden and the White House to address her calls for freeing Brittney.

"Even after sentencing is complete I hope @POTUS & @WhiteHouse will continue to do everything in their power to bring Brittney Griner & all other Americans detained abroad home," Turner underscored.

In a separate tweet on Friday, Turner also addressed the "hateful messages" hurled at Griner. The Phoenix Suns star noted that it is easy to be an outsider in the issue and wish the worst, be not informed with all the facts, and spread hate on social media.

"I would love to individually respond and annihilate every negative viewpoint I receive but that would be a waste of my time," Turner added.

Brittney Griner in Russia

Brittney Griner has been held in Russia since February and was sentenced on Friday after pleading guilty to the charges and acknowledging that there were vape cartridges with cannabis oil in her luggage.

Griner claimed that she never meant to break any laws in Russia, hurt anybody, or put the Russian population in jeopardy.

"I made an honest mistake, and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here," Griner said in an emotional statement before her sentencing.

In a written statement on Friday, Britney Griner's lawyers, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, said they are disappointed with the verdict, contending that the evidence of the defense and the guilty plea was "completely ignored."

Brittney Griner's lawyer also announced that they will appeal the decision vested by the court. They have 10 days to do so.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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