Brittney Griner: Russian diplomat says prisoner swap with US remains possible
The Biden administration has been trying for months to negotiate the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American jailed in Russia, Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, including through a possible prisoner swap with Moscow.
What Brittney Griner may endure in Russian penal system
WNBA star Brittney Griner has begun serving her 9-year sentence for drug possession at a remote Russian penal colony that human rights advocates say is known for harsh conditions and violent criminals. Here's a look at what life looks like at Russian penal colonies, and at Griner's prospects of being freed in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
WNBA star Brittney Griner transferred to Russian penal colony in Mordovia region
The WNBA star has been placed at Female Penal Colony IK-2 in Yavas, which is in the region of Mordovia – the same area where American Paul Whelan is being held, according to Reuters.
Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release
“My hope is that now that the election is over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.
Brittney Griner sent to Russian penal colony to serve sentence
A penal colony is a common type of Russian prison where detainees work for minimal pay.
US Embassy officials visit Brittney Griner in Russia prison
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Brittney Griner "is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances" and that the administration was working "to resolve the current unacceptable and wrongful detentions" of Griner and Whelan."
Kremlin: Any talks about Brittney Griner swap must be confidential
Asked if Brittney Griner could be freed as part of a prisoners swap with Washington, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters that "we always say that any contacts about possible exchanges can only be conducted in silence under a tight lid on any information."
Russian court rejects Brittney Griner's appeal against 9-year sentence
The Moscow region court also ruled that Brittney Griner’s sentence will be recalculated to around eight years in prison, after taking her time in pre-trial detention into account.
Brittney Griner spends 32nd birthday in Russian prison
Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25. While it’s unlikely the appeal will overturn her conviction, her lawyers hope it could lessen the sentence.
Brittney Griner's lawyer says WNBA star fears she may never be released from Russian prison
"She is not yet absolutely convinced that America will be able to take her home," Boykov said in an interview with the New York Times. "She is very worried about what the price of that will be, and she is afraid that she will have to serve the whole sentence here in Russia."
Russian court sets Brittney Griner appeal date for Oct. 25
A Russian court on Monday set Oct. 25 as the date for American basketball star Brittney Griner’s appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.
Robert Sarver to sell Suns and Mercury, Rihanna to headline Super bowl halftime show: top sports stories
Robert Sarver announced he will seek buyers for the Suns and Mercury franchises, police are investigating allegations that a fan struck Cardinals QB Kyler Murray in the face, Rihanna will headline the Super Bowl 57 halftime show at State Farm Stadium, Jae Crowder will not be at training camp for the Suns, and a pro surfer died after suffering a seizure.
Robert Sarver announces plans to sell Suns, Mercury
Sarver was suspended for one year and fined $10 million after the investigation showed a pattern of lewd, misogynistic, and racist speech and conduct during his 18 years as owner of the Suns and Mercury.
With Brittney Griner in jail, WNBA players skip Russia in offseason
Brittney Griner’s highly publicized legal woes in Russia and the country’s invasion of Ukraine has the top WNBA players opting to take their talents elsewhere this offseason.
Griner, Whelan families to meet Biden amid US-Russia talks
The separate meetings are to be the first in-person encounter between Biden and the families and are taking place amid sustained but so far unsuccessful efforts by the administration to secure the Americans’ release.
Former UN ambassador visits Moscow as Griner, Whelan remain jailed
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in July that the U.S. had made a "substantial proposal" to Russia to facilitate a swap.
Kyler Murray gifts fan signed jersey, Serena Williams says farewell to tennis: top sports stories
A heartwarming moment between Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and a young fan quickly went viral, and Serena Williams made a huge announcement regarding her future in tennis.
Lawyers for Brittney Griner appeal Russian prison sentence
Lawyers for American basketball star Brittney Griner on Monday filed an appeal against her nine-year Russian prison sentence for drug possession.
Russia confirms prisoner exchange talks with US following Brittney Griner sentencing
On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ivan Nechayev confirmed that prisoner swap negotiations for Brittney Griner were underway.
Former UN ambassador hopeful for Brittney Griner, Paul Whelan prisoner swap
Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage negotiations, said on Aug. 9 he was hopeful about the chances of a two-for-two prisoner swap that could result in Russia’s release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.