Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star, was convicted on drug charges in Russia and sentenced to 9 years of jail.

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American women's basketball star Brittney Griner was convicted of deliberately smuggling drugs into Russia and sentenced to nine years of jail.

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Judge Anna Sotnikova of the Khimki city court delivered the sentence and fined Griner 1 million rubles.

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"I never meant to hurt anybody, I never meant to put in jeopardy the Russian population, I never meant to break any laws here," - Griner

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"I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here. - Brittney Griner

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"I want to say again that I had no intent on breaking any Russian laws. I had no intent. I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime,"

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The two-time US Olympic basketball gold medalist pleaded guilty to drug charges last month and said she accidentally packed the drugs while in a hurry.

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"Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney. - Joe Biden

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

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"US is working to bring home Griner and Paul Whelan & this is an absolute priority of mine and the Department's" - Antony Blinken

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