Brittney Griner’s Detention Extended for Another Month, House Arrest Denied

WNBA player Brittney Griner will remain in Russia for now. According to the Associated Press, her detainment was extended for another 30 days after appearing in court on Friday in Moscow.

Though she will be spending another month in the country, her lawyer, Alexander Boikov, believes the short extension indicates the trial will come soon.

She was photographed with her head down and an oversized red hoodie covering her face while her hands were cuffed.

The Biden administration believes that Griner is being wrongfully detained. Earlier this year, the Phoenix Mercury player was detained at the Moscow airport after vape cartridges containing oil for cannabis were found in her luggage. She’s been in custody since February, and if found guilty, faces up to 10 years in prison.

Biden’s administration has tried to negotiate with Russia behind the scenes. As she waits, she has the full support of her team and wife.

The team announced that her number and initials BG 42 will be imprinted on the court at the Footprint Center.

Mercury guard Skylar Diggins-Smith says, “We think about her every day.” “We love her, and we’re going to continue to carry her legacy, her voice, and play in her honor until she gets back here with us.”

One family. #WeAreBG

Honoring Brittney Griner on our court for the remainder of the playoffs. 💜🧡 pic.twitter.com/7AS3JZ5FYc

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 10, 2022