WNBA star Brittney Griner has pleaded not guilty in a Russian court on Thursday (March 17) and will remain in custody until at least May 19 ESPN reports.
Russian news agency TASS says per the outlet, “The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19.”
As we previously reported, Griner has been in custody since February after Russian customs officials claim they found hashish oil (vape cartridges) in her carry-on luggage at an airport.
The offense could land the basketball star 10 years in prison.
Griner has played over in Russia for the past seven years. The last time she played in a game was Jan. 29 for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg; that was before the two-week hiatus in February for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
Brittney Griner’s wife, Cherelle T. Griner, posted a photo of her and the WNBA star after it was reported she had been detained in Russia for several weeks.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. I love my wife wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life,” Cherelle captioned a photo of the two smiling on the beach. “I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honor our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. Thank you!”
Concerned fans also are wishing for Griner a safe return home.