Phoenix Mercury Star Brittney Griner Sentenced To 9 Years In Prison

KHIMKI, RUSSIA — Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was convicted of drug charges Thursday in Russia and sentenced to nine years in prison.

Griner, 31, listened with a blank expression as an interpreter read the verdict, according to The Associated Press. The judge also fined her about $16,700.

The sentence for the two-time U.S. Olympic champion — and eight-time all-star — comes amid a politically charged trial and rising tensions between Russia and the United States over the conflict in Ukraine. It could lead to a prisoner exchange.

U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the verdict and sentence, calling them "unacceptable."

"I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates," Biden said.

The U.S., he said, will continue to work to bring her back to the U.S., as well as Paul Whelan, an American convicted of espionage and imprisoned in Russia.

Griner apologized to her family, teammates and the city of Yekaterinburg, where she plays in the off-season, calling her decision a "mistake" and saying she embarrassed them.

"I hope in your ruling it does not end my life," she said, voice cracking, according to AP.

Griner has been detained since Feb. 17. Police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage as she landed in Moscow.

Griner said July 7 she "would like to plead guilty" to the charges against her, but that she "had no intention of breaking any Russian law." She said she brought the vape canisters after hastily packing for her flight.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.