Brittney Griner freed from prison, American journalist dies while covering World Cup: top sports stories
After being detained for 10 months in Russia, Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner was freed in a prisoner exchange, and an American journalist died suddenly while covering the World Cup in Qatar – these are the top stories in the world of sports from Dec. 5-11.
'I want to talk': Britney Griner opened up during long trip home
She "went to every member on that crew, looked them in the eyes, shook their hands and asked about them, got their names, making a personal connection with them," her presidential escort said.
Brittney Griner lands back in US after Russian prisoner swap
Brittney Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and Phoenix Mercury pro basketball star, was seen getting off a plane that landed Friday at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.
Brittney Griner: Reactions pour in following WNBA star's release from Russian prison
Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, American officials said.
Who is Viktor Bout, Russia's 'Merchant of Death' freed in prisoner swap for Brittney Griner?
The U.S. and Russia agreed to swap WNBA star Brittney Griner for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer who was portrayed in the 2005 film "Lord of War."
Russia frees WNBA star Brittney Griner in prisoner swap
Russia has freed WNBA star Brittney Griner in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
American Paul Whelan left behind again in Russia-US prisoner swap
President Joe Biden said the White House has 'not forgotten' about Paul Whelan, an American veteran who's been jailed in Russia since December 2018.
Brittney Griner: Russian diplomat says prisoner swap with US remains possible
The Biden administration has been trying for months to negotiate the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American jailed in Russia, Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, including through a possible prisoner swap with Moscow.
What Brittney Griner may endure in Russian penal system
WNBA star Brittney Griner has begun serving her 9-year sentence for drug possession at a remote Russian penal colony that human rights advocates say is known for harsh conditions and violent criminals. Here's a look at what life looks like at Russian penal colonies, and at Griner's prospects of being freed in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange.
WNBA star Brittney Griner transferred to Russian penal colony in Mordovia region
The WNBA star has been placed at Female Penal Colony IK-2 in Yavas, which is in the region of Mordovia – the same area where American Paul Whelan is being held, according to Reuters.
Rule change: WNBA to allow coaches challenge next season
The WNBA will allow coaches to challenge one play a game next season, and the league is also heightening the penalty for transition take fouls.
Biden hopes Putin will negotiate WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release
“My hope is that now that the election is over, that Mr. Putin will be able to discuss with us and be willing to talk more seriously about a prisoner exchange,” Biden said.
Brittney Griner sent to Russian penal colony to serve sentence
A penal colony is a common type of Russian prison where detainees work for minimal pay.
US Embassy officials visit Brittney Griner in Russia prison
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Brittney Griner "is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances" and that the administration was working "to resolve the current unacceptable and wrongful detentions" of Griner and Whelan."
Kremlin: Any talks about Brittney Griner swap must be confidential
Asked if Brittney Griner could be freed as part of a prisoners swap with Washington, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a conference call with reporters that "we always say that any contacts about possible exchanges can only be conducted in silence under a tight lid on any information."
Russian court rejects Brittney Griner's appeal against 9-year sentence
The Moscow region court also ruled that Brittney Griner’s sentence will be recalculated to around eight years in prison, after taking her time in pre-trial detention into account.
Brittney Griner spends 32nd birthday in Russian prison
Brittney Griner’s appeal hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25. While it’s unlikely the appeal will overturn her conviction, her lawyers hope it could lessen the sentence.
Brittney Griner's lawyer says WNBA star fears she may never be released from Russian prison
"She is not yet absolutely convinced that America will be able to take her home," Boykov said in an interview with the New York Times. "She is very worried about what the price of that will be, and she is afraid that she will have to serve the whole sentence here in Russia."
Russian court sets Brittney Griner appeal date for Oct. 25
A Russian court on Monday set Oct. 25 as the date for American basketball star Brittney Griner’s appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.
Robert Sarver to sell Suns and Mercury, Rihanna to headline Super bowl halftime show: top sports stories
Robert Sarver announced he will seek buyers for the Suns and Mercury franchises, police are investigating allegations that a fan struck Cardinals QB Kyler Murray in the face, Rihanna will headline the Super Bowl 57 halftime show at State Farm Stadium, Jae Crowder will not be at training camp for the Suns, and a pro surfer died after suffering a seizure.