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Brittney Griner guilty of deliberate drug smuggling: How it panned out for two-time Olympic gold medallist

All hell break loose for US basketball star
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All hell break loose for US basketball star

A Russian court on Thursday found U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner guilty of deliberately bringing cannabis-infused vape cartridges into Russia despite them being illegal, after the athlete said she had made an honest mistake by packing them.

Verdict to pave the way for a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States?
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Verdict to pave the way for a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States?

Her sentencing, which is due to take place within hours, could led to a prisoner swap between Russia and the United States that would include the 31-year-old star athlete and an imprisoned Russian who was once a prolific arms dealer. Griner's defence team, however, has made it clear that it will appeal 'unreasonable' verdict.

Brittney Griner gives her take
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Brittney Griner gives her take

Griner was detained at Moscow`s Sheremetyevo airport on Feb. 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. She pleaded guilty but said she had neither intended to bring a banned substance to Russia nor to hurt anybody. "I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling, that it doesn`t end my life here," Griner said in court before breaking down in tears. "My parents taught me two important things: one, take ownership of your responsibilities and two, work hard for everything that you have. That`s why I pled guilty to my charges." 

However, the end result hasn't gone in her favour.

US President Joe Biden on the hearing
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US President Joe Biden on the hearing

Even as Budget hawks lobby against broad debt forgiveness, the Biden administration is currently considering what to do about the nation`s $1.5 trillion student loan portfolio, payments on which were suspended repeatedly during the Covid-19 crisis.
 

Brittney Griner achievements
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Brittney Griner achievements

For the unversed, Griner remains the only NCAA basketball player to both score 2,000 points and block 500 shots. The three-time All-American was named the AP Player of the Year and also adjudged the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four in the year 2012.

In addition, the 31-year-old basketballer is one of 11 women to get an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, a FIBA World Cup gold medal and as well as a WNBA championship. Overall, she has won two gold Olympic gold medals.