Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drugs charge in Russia
Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty Thursday in a Russian court to drugs charges, according to Reuters.
"I'd like to plead guilty, your honor. But there was no intent. I didn't want to break the law," Griner said in court. "I'd like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare."
ESPN's T.J. Quinn also reported that a source said Griner told the court she accidentally packed the hash oil cartridges that were allegedly found in her luggage by Russian officials when she was arrested in February.
She faces up to 10 years in prison and her next court hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Bringing Griner home 'a priority' for the U.S.
The United States government deemed Griner "wrongfully detained" by the Russian government, but steps to bring the WNBA star home have not been publicly disclosed. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that Griner's release "is a priority for this president" a day after Griner sent a handwritten letter to President Joe Biden.
While the guilty plea does mean Griner could face jail time, it also signals the next phase in any negotiations for her release. Quinn reported that "there was recognition that [Griner] will have to admit guilt before Russia agrees to a deal to send her home. Pleading now, it was thought, would get that out of the way and possibly help move negotiations forward."