Brittney Griner has completed her first open WNBA training session since returning from Russia, where she was imprisoned since February last year on drug possession charges. The US government fought to free the American woman and brought her home in December after a prisoner exchange.
The 32-year-old was arrested a year ago at an airport on the outskirts of Moscow on suspicion of possessing and smuggling drugs. The woman admitted to having the substance in her e-cigarette, but showed in court that it was prescribed by her doctor for treatment. The American also admitted that she mistakenly packed the substance, it was not intended to smuggle it. Although her version was also confirmed by her sports doctor, the Russian court did not accept IT and sentenced her to years in prison for deliberate drug smuggling and possession.
Griner returned home in December following months of diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia. When it was known that Russia had agreed to the prisoner exchange and that the American woman was on a plane returning home, the information about her release was confirmed by US President Joe Biden.
The American came back very thin, but she is recovering and playing in the WNBA league again. Now Brittney Griner has gone through her first open workout. Griner had her first open practice two days after officially re-signing with the Phoenix Mercury. Griner could return to court on May 19 in the Phoenix Mercury’s season opener against the Los Angeles Sparks.
