Report: WNBA star Griner’s detention extended to May 19 by Russian court

WNBA star Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia has been extended until mid-May.

A Moscow court recently extended Griner’s arrest for allegedly possessing cannabis oil until May 19, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the U.S. citizen Griner until May 19,” the court said, according to Tass.

Griner, who plays professionally in Russia during the WNBA offseason, was arrested in an airport near Moscow in February after Russian authorities said they found vape cartridges containing hashish oil. A criminal case was then opened, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

Griner is one of the most popular players in women’s basketball. A former national champion at Baylor, the 6-foot-9 star is a two-time Olympic champion with the U.S. team, a WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury and one of the few women to dunk in a women’s basketball game. 

She’s played in Russia for the last seven seasons and earns more than $1 million per year, which is four times the amount she makes in the WNBA. 

Some U.S. politicians have called for Griner’s release. Hillary Clinton joined the fold Wednesday with a “Free Brittney” tweet. 

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday that “everything” is being done “to support Brittney Griner, to support her family, and to work with them to do everything we can, to see that she is treated appropriately and to seek her release.” 

This article is based in part on wire service reports.