Russia Extends Detention of Brittney Griner

🏀 WNBA star Brittney Griner, who was arrested in a Moscow airport on February 17, had her detention extended until May 19 by a Russian court.

• Griner is a seven-time All-Star for the Phoenix Mercury, who are set to open the WNBA season on May 6.
• Airport authorities said they arrested Griner after finding vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage, an offense that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
• Griner was returning to Russia where she plays in the offseason to make more money, like many other WNBA stars. She earns over $1 million per season in Russia – more than quadruple her US salary.
• According to reports, Griner’s family and legal team have been purposely keeping quiet regarding her arrest, hoping to avoid making it a celebrity-political cause that would harm her chances for release.

💬 What they’re saying: "Everyone's getting the strategy of say less and push more privately behind the scenes," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told the AP. "It's the strategy you get from the State Department and administration. It's our No. 1 priority in talking with her agent and strategists."