The sporting world was shocked recently to learn about WNBA star Brittney Griner. After being detained for over 170 days in Russia, a Russian court found Griner guilty and sentenced her to nine years in prison. Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Bam Adebayo, and other NBA stars united to support Griner and ask for her release.

Griner was found guilty of smuggling drugs with intent after being arrested by officials in February. They arrested Griner when tensions between Russia and the United States were at a high. The arrest took place just a few days before the war in Ukraine began. And the US government has tried to get her back, but to no avail so far.

Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Bam, and other stars come out to support Brittney Griner

Furthermore, NBA and WNBA stars who had been supporting her release were shocked to hear the verdict. Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Bam Adebayo, and others came to her support and asked for her to be released immediately. Here are their reactions:

https://twitter.com/IveyJaden/status/1555219505529425926?t=6u7CmNpPzUQ0MBtaS63Ohw&s=19

The verdict may give hope to Brittney Griner

In fact, there is still hope for Griner. The US government recently offered a prisoner exchange deal for her release, and her official classification as a prisoner may help to speed things up.

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A few weeks ago, the US Secretary of State came out and said that they have offered Russia a deal. And this comes after the approval of President Joe Biden. Furthermore, the US offered Russia Victor Bout, a convicted arms dealer, in a prisoner exchange deal for Brittney Griner and another US citizen currently in Russian custody.

Notably, Russia said they received the offer and are going to consider it. However, talks have been really slow since the ties between the two countries have basically been non-existent for some time now. Experts say the deal will likely take some time as the two countries will need to agree on something that works for both of them.

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The US government has been under a lot of pressure to get her back, and many politicians and celebrities have asked the government to step in.