US government offers update on Brittney Griner situation in Russia

Brittney Griner is still detained in Russia as she awaits trial for an alleged drug arrest, but the United States government has offered a somewhat positive update in her case.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price told CNN that US Embassy officials in Russia were granted access to Griner on Wednesday morning. He said he can’t get into much detail but that the WNBA star is “in good condition.”

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price tells @CNN that U.S. Embassy officials in Russia were finally granted consular access to Brittney Griner “within the last couple hours.” The WNBA star was in “good condition,” he said. pic.twitter.com/sCgNEr6yvO

— Chris Bumbaca (@BOOMbaca) March 23, 2022

Griner has been detained in Moscow for over a month. She was taken into custody on Feb. 17 after authorities allegedly found vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She is said to be facing up to 10 years in prison.

Russian state news reported recently that Griner’s pre-trial detention had been extended until May 19. Per the country’s laws, Griner can be held a lot longer than that before facing trial.

Griner, 31, and other WNBA players play in Russia during the offseason. All of the others have since left the country amid the ongoing feud between Russia and Ukraine.

Russian state media last week released the first known photo of Griner since she was arrested.

Photo: Mar 12, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner in attendance of the Phoenix Suns game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports