Brittney Griner Found Guilty, , Sentenced to 9 Years by Russian Court.<br />Brittney Griner Found Guilty, , Sentenced to 9 Years by Russian Court.<br />The WNBA star was sentenced by the Russian court on Aug. 4.<br />In addition to the nine-year sentence, <br />Griner was fined $16,300.<br />Before her sentencing, Griner made an impassioned plea for leniency.<br />I never meant to hurt anybody, <br />I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here, Brittney Griner, WNBA Star, via CNN.<br />I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here, Brittney Griner, WNBA Star, via CNN.<br />She also acknowledged the political nature of her trial and her position as a "political pawn.".<br />I know everybody keeps talking about political pawn and politics, but I hope that that is far from this courtroom, Brittney Griner, WNBA Star, via CNN.<br />Griner's arrest and trial have been <br />widely cast as a geopolitical standoff between Russia and the U.S.<br />Griner's arrest and trial have been <br />widely cast as a geopolitical standoff between Russia and the U.S.<br />Recently announced diplomatic measures have angered Russian officials because they were publicized.<br />Megaphone diplomacy and the public exchange of opinions will not lead to result, Dmitri Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman, <br />via 'The New York Times'.<br />Griner has been detained in Russia for close to six months following her arrest at an airport in Moscow.<br />An official from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow called the sentence "a miscarriage of justice.".<br />The official attempted to assure Griner's supporters that top members of the Biden administration are committed to her release.<br />The entire American government remain committed to bringing <br />Ms. Griner home safely to her family and friends, Elizabeth Rood, Deputy Chief of Mission U.S. Embassy Moscow, via 'The New York Times'
