Cardinals dealing with offseason arrests, Brittney Griner sentenced: top sports stories

First, it was a contract dispute involving their star quarterback, and now, the Arizona Cardinals are dealing with a couple of arrests involving one of their top offensive weapons, and a member of their coaching staff, and a judge handed down a harsh sentence to Brittney Griner after the Phoenix Mercury star was convicted of drug smuggling in Russia – these are the top stories in the world of sports from August 1-7.

Kremlin says Brittney Griner swap must be discussed without publicity

Asked at the White House Friday about the prospects of securing Brittney Griner’s release, President Joe Biden said: “I’m hopeful ... We’re working hard.”

Brittney Griner: WNBA star back in Russian court on cannabis charge

Since Brittney Griner last appeared in her trial for cannabis possession, the question of her fate has expanded from a tiny, cramped courtroom on Moscow’s outskirts to the highest level of Russia-U.S. diplomacy.

'Homework' clause removed from Kyler Murray's contract, D-backs trade David Peralta: top sports stories

The Arizona Cardinals removed a controversial addendum from Kyler Murray's new contract that required the quarterback to complete at least four hours of “independent study" and the Arizona Diamondbacks traded a fan favorite who spent nearly a decade with the team – these are the top stories in the world of sports from July 51-31.

Kremlin poker-faced on US swap offer to free Griner, Whelan

A person familiar with the matter said the U.S. government proposed trading convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout for Paul Whelan and Brittney Griner.

In rare contact, US offers Russia deal for WNBA star Brittney Griner

The statement marked the first time the U.S. government has publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure the release of Griner, who was arrested on drug-related charges at a Moscow airport in February and testified Wednesday at her trial.

US basketball star Brittney Griner testifies that poor translation led to her arrest in Russia

Brittney Griner acknowledged in court that she had vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she arrived in Russia but contends she had no criminal intent and packed the cartridges inadvertently.

Brittney Griner: WNBA star's Russian trial considers medicinal use of cannabis

Brittney Griner contends that she had no criminal intent and that the vape canisters containing cannabis oil ended up in her luggage inadvertently because of hasty packing.

Kyler Murray signs contract extension, Arizona senators demand Brittney Griner's release: top sports stories

The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray agreed to a long-term contract extension following a passive-aggressive offseason contract squabble, and Arizona's two United States senators are calling for the immediate release of Brittney Griner from a Russian jail – these are the top stories from the world of sports from July 18-24.

Biden signs executive order aiming to punish captors of Americans held abroad

Biden's executive order comes as the ongoing detention in Russia of WNBA star Brittney Griner has brought increased attention to the population of Americans who are jailed abroad and designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained.

Brittney Griner: Character witnesses testify in support of jailed WNBA star

Brittney Griner was arrested in February at the Russian capital’s Sheremetyevo Airport when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. She has been jailed since then, facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

LeBron James critical on his show of US efforts to get Brittney Griner home

“Now, how can she feel like America has her back?” James said in a trailer for an upcoming episode of his television show. “I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even wanna go back to America?’”

Phoenix Mercury holds public rally in support of Brittney Griner

Wearing “BG” shirts and holding signs, several hundred fans gathered for a public rally in support of Brittney Griner on Wednesday, hoping their sentiments would reach the WNBA player 6,000 miles away in a Russian jail cell.

WNBA star Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russia

The Phoenix Mercury player was detained in February at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after vape canisters with cannabis oil allegedly were found in her luggage.

Biden tells Brittney Griner's wife he's working to get her home

Biden's conversation with Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, followed Brittney Griner's personal appeal to the president in a handwritten letter from the basketball player the White House received on Monday.

Britney Griner trial, a homeowner gets the Stanley Cup, a shakeup in collegiate athletics: top sports stories

For the week of June 27 to July 3, the top sports stories included the Britney Griner trial in Russia, an NBA star accused of felony domestic violence, the iconic Stanley Cup trophy being delivered to the wrong address, the first USFL championship game, and a major shakeup in college football.

'Please don't forget about me': Brittney Griner writes open letter to Biden as her trial begins

WNBA star Brittney Griner has gone on trial in a Russian court on charges of possessing cannabis oil. Griner was arrested in February at a Moscow airport while traveling to play for a Russian team.