No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
The Upper Middle
  • All News
    • Business
    • Commentary
    • Community
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Events
    • Family
    • Food & Drink
    • Lifestyle & Fitness
    • Local News
    • Real Estate
  • Business Directory
The Upper Middle
  • All News
    • Business
    • Commentary
    • Community
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Events
    • Family
    • Food & Drink
    • Lifestyle & Fitness
    • Local News
    • Real Estate
  • Business Directory
No Result
View All Result
SUBSCRIBE
The Upper Middle
No Result
View All Result

Brittney Griner’s Trial Begins in Russian Court After Last Week’s Guilty Plea

  • July 15, 2022
  • theumphx
  • The Upper Middle

Brittney Griner returned to a Russian court on Thursday, just one week after the WNBA player plead guilty to drug charges.

Griner entered a guilty plea last week, admitting to bringing cannabis into Russia but saying she had no intention of breaking any laws. “I was in a rush packing and the cartridges accidentally ended up in my bags,” she said.

In Griner’s third hearing in the trial, Griner’s legal team said that she chose to plead guilty to take full responsibility for her actions and hopes the judge will take that into account ahead of sentencing.

“Considering the nature of her case, the insignificant amount of the substance and BG’s personality and history of positive contributions to global and Russian sport, the defense hopes that the plea will be considered by the court as a mitigating factor and there will be no severe sentence,” they wrote.

The defense brought forth three witnesses, all members of Griner’s Russian team for which Griner has played since 2014. Her teammates defended her character, on and off the court.

Griner’s teammate described Griner’s accomplishments off the court, her willingness to meet with fans and support the local animal shelter.

Maksim Ryabkov, the club’s director of operations, called Griner a “unique player” whom he had personally recruited to play in Russia. “There was no one close to her level. And thanks to Brittney, we won,” he told the court. Her dominance extended to Russian success in the European leagues and helped grow the women’s game in Russia, Ryabkov described.

An additional layer to the testimony came from UMMC’s team doctor, Anatoly Kalabin. Dr. Kalabin spoke on the issue of possible drug use by Griner. He noted an athlete of Griner’s caliber endures continuous testing. “In all the years, I’ve worked with her, she never failed a test,” said Kalabin.

Griner attended to the testimony from a locked cage in the corner of the courtroom. She moved by her friends testimony. She teared up on a few occasions. Griner did not testify. She will take the stand in  couple weeks’ time.

The Biden administration considers Griner to be “wrongfully detained is reportedly is working to bring her home, in addition to other wrongfully detained Americans in Russia.

If convicted, Griner could face up to 10 years in a Russian prison.

Sponsored Ad

RECENT NEWS

New Lydia’s Kitchen & Market Opens with Laid-Back Elegance at The Frederick

Weekend Wellness at the Arcadia Improvement Club

Summer Pool Safety in Arizona: A Guide for Families

Where to Celebrate Father’s Day in Phoenix

Uptown Plaza: Phoenix Landmark Updated with Mid-Century Modern Charm

Le Petit Chef at the Arizona Biltmore Delivers a Stunning 3D Dining Experience in Phoenix

Next Post
Westbound I-10 To Close Between Loop 202 and US 60 – July 15-18

Westbound I-10 To Close Between Loop 202 and US 60 – July 15-18

Fose + McKay Fose + McKay Fose + McKay
The Upper Middle Phoenix
The Upper Middle Phoenix (The UM) is your go-to source for local news, events, business updates, and culture in Arcadia, North Central Phoenix, and Biltmore. We also cover Paradise Valley and Downtown Phoenix, bringing you the latest on food & drink, real estate, outdoor activities, and community happenings.
Connecting the Upper Middle Neighborhoods of Phoenix - Arcadia, Biltmore, North Central

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

SUBSCRIBE

©2025 The Upper Middle 1801 East Camelback Road, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85016 / 602.222.4700 / [email protected] 

Max Fose – Publisher | Privacy Policy | Advertise With Us | Media Kit | About The Upper Middle Phoenix

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
    • Business
    • Commentary
    • Community
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Events
    • Family
    • Food & Drink
    • Lifestyle & Fitness
    • Local News
    • Real Estate
  • Business Directory
Connecting the Upper Middle Neighborhoods of Phoenix - Arcadia, Biltmore, North Central

©2025 The Upper Middle 1801 East Camelback Road, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85016 / 602.222.4700 / [email protected]