WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert addressed Brittney Griner’s suspension Sunday ahead of the league’s annual All-Star Game. Griner pleaded guilty in a Russian court on Thursday to a drug charge. He was accused of possessing vapor cartridges containing cannabis-derived oils through a Moscow airport. He has been held since February and has made few public appearances. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses the crowd during the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game on July 10, 2022, at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. (Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) “Obviously we’re thinking about Brittney Griner right now,” Engelbert said in Chicago, via Reuters. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM “She remains a huge priority for us, she continues to have our full support, fully focused on getting her home safely and as soon as possible of course.” Griner’s Russian legal team said Thursday that the WNBA superstar “decided to take full responsibility for her actions” when she pleaded guilty to a drug charge in a Moscow court and hoped the sentence would not be severe. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison. A close-up of a courtside decal honoring Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner during the 2022 WNBA Skills Challenge as part of the 2022 WNBA All-Star Weekend, July 9, 2022, at McCormick Place in Chicago. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) MEGAN RAPINOE HONORES BRITTNEY GRINER WITH ‘BG’ EMBROIDERY SUIT AT PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM CEREMONY “Today, BG pleaded guilty. It was her decision that was informed after discussion with her legal defense team in Russia,” her legal team said. “Brittney exemplifies bravery. She decided to take full responsibility for her actions as she knows she is a role model for many people. “Considering the nature of her case, the insignificant amount of substance and BG’s personality and history of positive contributions to world and Russian sports, the defense hopes that the plea will be considered by the court as mitigation and not a serious proposal. “ WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner arrives for a court hearing in Khimki outside Moscow, July 7, 2022. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images) Griner pleaded guilty a day after the Russian Foreign Ministry said during a news briefing that the WNBA star would have the option of appealing her verdict or seeking clemency. The State Department also disputed US claims that he was wrongfully detained on February 17. The White House confirmed on Wednesday that President Biden has spoken with Griner’s wife and is “actively working to secure the release of Brittney as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other US citizens who are being illegally detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Before Griner pleaded guilty, her legal team said they expected Griner’s trial to conclude around early August. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Ryan Gaydos is the sports editor for Fox News and Fox Business. Story tips can be sent to [email protected]
