According to sports.yahoo.com, former NBA star Dennis Rodman, is planning to travel to Russia in order to help negotiate the release of WNBA champion Brittney Griner, according to NBC News. According to the U.S. government, Griner remains wrongfully detained and was sentenced to nine years in prison on alleged drug charges. Griner’s team already appealed, as U.S. and Russian diplomats continue to discuss potential prison exchanges. Rodman is quoted in saying that, “I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl, I’m trying to go this week.” However, there is no clarity on who exactly gave Rodman permission to go to Russia, as he stated. Griner is one of 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, NCAA championship, FIBA World Cup gold medal and a WNBA championship. Griner has been detained since February 17th, when Russia said officials found vape cartridges containing hashish oil, which is illegal in Russia. Griner plead guilty to charges of “large-scale transportation of drugs” and possession charges, although prosecutors say she brought less than a gram of cannabis oil. The judge rejected Griner’s plea for leniency and sentenced her to 9 of the possible 10 year maximum for the crime. Her team has appealed, however, the process can take up to three months.
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