WNBA player’s detention in Russia reportedly extended

Brittney Griner, a 31-year-old women’s basketball player detained in Russia in February on a drug-related charge, could remain behind bars for at least three months before her case is resolved. The Russian government has extended its detention of Griner until May 19, according to TASS, the state-run media outlet. Police detained the WNBA player and two-time Olympic champion at a Moscow airport in mid-February after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis. That’s a violation that could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Why was Brittney Griner in Russia? Griner, a center for the Phoenix Murcury, has played for Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg in the winter for the last seven years. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said the U.S. government has been doing everything possible “to see that she is treated appropriately and to seek her release.” All 11 other WNBA players who played in Russia or Ukraine have left both countries since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The WNBA season starts May 6.