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.

Brittney Griner's agent implores White House to 'get a deal done' after WNBA star's trial date set in Russia

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was arrested at a Russian airport in February after she was accused of bringing in vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis through security. Her arrest came a week before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, but news of her detention did not make it out until March.

WNBA star Brittney Griner gets July 1 start date for trial

The Phoenix Mercury star could face 10 years in prison if convicted on charges of large-scale transportation of drugs.

Brittney Griner chosen as honorary WNBA All-Star starter

The State Department in May designated Brittney Griner as wrongfully detained, moving her case under the supervision of its special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, who is effectively the government’s chief hostage negotiator.

Brittney Griner detention: Putin spokesman denies WNBA star being held hostage

"She violated Russian law, and now she’s being prosecuted. It’s not about being a hostage. There are lots of American citizens here. They’re enjoying their freedoms… but you have to obey the laws," Peskov told the outlet.

Wife of WNBA's Griner says scheduled call never happened; U.S. officials say 'logistical error' to blame

WNBA star Brittney Griner tried to call her wife nearly a dozen times through the American embassy in Russia on the couple’s fourth anniversary on June 18, but they never connected since the phone line at the embassy was not staffed, Cherelle Griner said.

Rally held in Phoenix for WNBA star Brittney Griner as she remains in Russian jail
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The rally, which was put on by a group called the Shining Light Foundation, aims to raise continued awareness for Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February. FOX 10's Bailey Miller reports.

Phone call between Brittney Griner and wife rescheduled after 'unfortunate mistake'

The White House says a phone call between jailed WNBA star Brittney Griner and her wife has been rescheduled after an earlier attempt to connect on the couple’s anniversary failed because of an “unfortunate mistake."

Brittney Griner's Russia detention 'something that I’m personally focused on,' Blinken says

Griner has been held in Russia since February. The WNBA star was arrested for allegedly bringing vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis oil through a Moscow airport.

Brittney Griner's agent calls on Biden, Harris to 'do whatever it takes to bring' WNBA star home from Russia

Griner was arrested in February for allegedly trying to bring vape cartridges containing oils derived from cannabis through a Moscow airport. She’s been held ever since with limited public appearances. A Moscow court extended Griner’s detention until July 2.

Brittney Griner's detention in Russia extended for third time

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2 after her detention was extended for a third time.

Brittney Griner’s fate tangled up with other Americans held in Russia

Brittney Griner is not only one of the most dominant figures in her sport but also a prominent gay, Black woman. That has prompted questions about the role race and sexual identity are playing in a country where authorities have been hostile to the LGBTQ community, and about whether her case would get more attention if it involved a white male athlete.

Brittney Griner receiving, answering WNBA players’ emails while being detained in Russia

Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for 105 days after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage at an airport near Moscow.

Brittney Griner’s wife calls on Biden to help in WNBA star's release

The Phoenix Mercury center has been detained since Feb. 17 after vape cartridges containing oil derived from cannabis were allegedly found in her luggage at an airport near Moscow.

Brittney Griner: State Department pushing to see basketball star as she remains detained in Russia

The State Department said Tuesday that it still pushing to have regular contact with WNBA star Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury, who has been detained in Russia for nearly three months.

Brittney Griner prisoner swap for 'Merchant of Death' on the table, Russian media claims

Viktor Bout was dubbed the "Merchant of Death" because of his notoriety for running a fleet of aging Soviet-era cargo planes to conflict-ridden hotspots in Africa. His dealings inspired the Nicolas Cage film "Lord of War."