A Russian judge sentenced Brittney Griner to nine years in a penal colony after the WNBA star and two-time United States Olympic gold medalist pleaded guilty to drug charges. Griner was arrested Feb. 17 at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport after Russian authorities said she carried vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage. Griner said during the trial that took place in Khmiki, Russia, that she accidentally packed them in haste and pleaded guilty "without intent." Experts in the Russian legal system said admitting to the transgression could result in leniency on the 10-year maximum sentence Griner faced. Now that the trial has concluded, negotiations to free Griner are expected to continue between Washington and Moscow during a period of tension between the two countries. The most likely way the U.S. will secure the early release of Griner and fellow American Paul Whelan, who has also been classified as "wrongfully detained," is via prisoner swap. #sports #griner #wnba