Brittney Griner's sentence upheld, will spend nine years in Russian penal colony

WNBA star Brittney Griner continues to be held in a Russian prison after being arrested this summer for possessing disposable marijuana vapes. Although she pled guilty back in July, her arrest has continued to spark controversy. As it stands, many believe Russia has levied a harsh sentence on the WNBA star in order to force a prisoner exchange.

The entire arrest and subsequent court hearings have continued to be shrouded in mystery, with the initial June hearing being held behind closed doors. In addition, when Griner was originally arrested, it took quite some time for the story to be made public. When it did, both the NBA and WNBA began campaigns to help free the WNBA star.

This week, Griner appeared, via video, at a hearing where the Moscow Regional court upheld her nine-year sentence. The verdict was a crushing blow to many who hoped that she would return home. Of course, with that being said, there has been hope that the United States will swap prisoners in order to bring her home. Those talks, however, have continued to receive scrutiny from the American public.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. reportedly offered convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, also known as 'the merchant of death', in exchange for Griner. In addition, the United States wanted Paul Whelan, who is also being held in Russia, released. Those talks quickly drew the ire of American citizens who couldn't believe the U.S. would release someone who has caused as much global destruction as Bout.

Brittney Griner's future

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Although Brittney Griner was found with marijuana vape cartridges, many have pointed out that her sentence is particularly harsh. Others who have been detained in Russia for similar crimes reportedly received far shorter sentences. This has led many to believe that Russia is attempting to force the US into a prisoner swap.

So far, it sounds as though Russia may not be ready to negotiate just yet. On Tuesday morning's episode of SportsCenter, it was reported that the U.S. has not received any legitimate terms in regard to a prisoner swap. The way things stand right now, Brittney Griner will serve another eight-plus years counting days already served.

With the United States seemingly unwilling to part ways with Viktor Bout and convicted assassin Vadi Krasikov, a deal seems unlikely. This is largely in part due to the nature of Bout's crimes. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Bout is credited with supplying countless arms to groups around the globe. After being arrested in Thailand in 2008, Bout was extradited to the US.

Three years later TheGuardian reported that he was convicted of "conspiracy to kill Americans and US officials, deliver anti-aircraft missiles and aid a terrorist organisation." Given the charges of conspiring to kill US citizens and officials, it isn't entirely surprising that the United States is hesitant to release Bout.

Unfortunately, as a result, it sounds like it could be some time until the U.S. is able to secure Brittney Griner's release. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.